Gatineau, QB — An increased amount of hands-on educational opportunities will soon be coming to Canada. The federal government is investing $27 million over five years. The investment will go towards Skills Canada project Engaging Youth in the Skilled Trades through Competitions and Career Exploration.
“Young people want to help build Canada’s future. With the nature of work changing fast, today’s investment will help young people develop the skills they need to take advantage of future career opportunities in the skilled trades,” said Carla Qualtrough, minister of employment, workforce development and disability inclusion.
Through this investment, Skills Canada plans on providing education and hands-on experience to youth and underrepresented groups, including women, persons with disabilities, newcomers to Canada, individuals identifying as 2SLGBTQI+, Indigenous people and racialized individuals in the skilled trades and technology.
BuildForce Canada says the construction industry needs to recruit 299,200 new workers by 2032. The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum also estimates that over 122,000 new journeypersons will be required to sustain workforce certification across Red Seal trades in Canada.
Skills Canada also hosts its annual national competition, where contestants in over 40 skilled trades and technologies compete in their respective sectors.
The 2023 Skills Canada National Competition was held in Winnipeg and drew over 500 competitors and over 13,000 visitors.