Gatineau, Quebec — Canadian youth are discovering rewarding careers in the trades and technology industries thanks to events being held across Canada in support of Skilled Trades and Technology Week. The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, kicked off the Week at an event, hosted by Skills/Compétences Canada at the Canadian Museum of History (Canadian Museum of Civilization), that provided local area high‑school students with the opportunity to try their hands at various trades through interactive demonstrations.
“Addressing existing and future skills shortages in key occupations, such as the skilled trades, is critical to ensuring Canada’s continued economic growth and long-term prosperity,” said Minister Finley. “Through grants, tax credits and support for training programs, our government is encouraging youth to explore rewarding careers in the skilled trades.”
Skilled Trades and Technology Week was created by Skills/Compétences Canada to raise awareness of skilled trades and technology careers among parents, youth and the general public. The Week provides an opportunity for organizations across Canada to get involved in a “hands-on” way and introduces young Canadians to career options available in the trades and technology sectors.
“According to the Conference Board of Canada, a shortage of more than one million skilled workers is forecasted by 2020, with an estimated 40 percent of all new jobs in the skilled trades and technology industries,” said Shaun Thorson, Chief Executive Officer, Skills/Compétences Canada. “Skilled Trades and Technology Week is an important initiative that Skills/Compétences Canada undertakes to raise awareness of the tremendous opportunities to be found in the skilled trades, while recognizing industry needs and encouraging students to develop trade and technology skills.”
“Today’s youth are tomorrow’s workforce, so by investing in skills development for young people, we are helping them contribute to Canada’s long-term growth and overall prosperity,” added Minister Finley. “That is why the Harper Government is proud to work with Skills/Compétences Canada to address skills shortages and to help our youth get good, in-demand jobs through the promotion of the skilled trades and technology sectors.”
The Government of Canada is a strong supporter of Skills/Compétences Canada and its provincial and territorial chapters, providing $8.7 million in youth awareness funding over three years (2012–2015). A portion of that funding goes towards supporting Skilled Trades and Technology Week.
In addition, Canadians can receive up to $4,000 in apprenticeship grants, which are designed to make a career in the trades an attractive choice and encourage more apprentices to complete their training.
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For more information, contact:
Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
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This news release is available online at: actionplan.gc.ca.
The Youth Employment Strategy is the Government of Canada’s commitment to helping youth make a successful transition to the workplace. With an annual budget of more than $300 million, YES helps youth, particularly those facing barriers to employment, obtain career information, develop employment skills, find jobs and stay employed. YES includes the Skills Link and Career Focus programs and the Canada Summer Jobs initiative, which creates thousands of job opportunities for students every summer.
Through Economic Action Plan 2012, the Government of Canada is providing an additional $50 million over two years to enhance YES through a new initiative that will connect young Canadians with jobs that are in high demand and help them develop tangible skills and gain work experience.
Youth awareness complements the Youth Employment Strategy. It provides financial assistance for projects designed to promote youth as the workforce of the future and aims to expand their awareness of career and educational opportunities.
To learn more about Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy and other youth employment initiatives, visit Youth.gc.ca.
