Ontario Construction News staff writer
Skills Ontario, Promation, Ontario Council for Technology Education (OCTE), and KickAss Careers are joining forces to support skilled trade and tech careers across the province.
Representatives presented their ideas to Ontario’s Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs recently, providing feedback and support for Bill 288, Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, 2021.
“We are pleased to present in support of Bill 288 and commend the Honourable Monte McNaughton, the Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, for his ongoing promotion of the skilled trades,” said Ian Howcroft, CEO of Skills Ontario.
“As an organization dedicated to inspiring Ontarians to explore these careers, we look forward to building on our partnership with the Ontario government. Skills Ontario has found great success in our programs and we’re thrilled to continue to deliver programs that empower and inspire Ontarians.”
Howcraft said the industry supports the direction and goals of Bill 288, as a way forward that will “help bring certainty and clarity”.
“We recognize and applaud the government and Minister McNaughton for the leadership and actions that have been taken to build Ontario’s skilled workforce,” he concluded.
As stated on the Legislative Assembly of Ontario website, the legislation sets out provisions regarding the practice of trades in Ontario and apprenticeship training, certification and provides for the continuation of the Ontario College of Trades under the name Skilled Trades Ontario.
“As a business leader of a successful technology-focussed business, I am delighted by the Government of Ontario’s commitment to revamping, revitalizing, and putting meaningful actions into motion to re-establish and increase a robust Skilled Trades foundation in Ontario,” said Darryl Spector, president of Promation.
“I can personally attest to the intrinsic importance and benefit skilled trades competencies play in directly shaping the effectiveness and prosperity of career pathways at an early age, regardless of the colour of the collar, be it Blue or White. It’s time to restore Ontario’s leading position as North America’s manufacturing hub, and Bill 288 – Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, is a foundational move towards that goal.”
At the start of the pandemic, Skills Ontario adapted quickly to virtual learning, providing existing programs through a remote setting, as well as developing new initiatives so that young Ontarians could continue to explore skilled trade and technology careers from home. With the support of partners like the provincial government and the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, Skills Ontario reaches thousands of Ontarians across the province with an aim to inspire career exploration.