Ontario Construction News staff writer
Hundreds of young people got a taste of skilled trades over the summer, at Skills Ontario Summer Camps. The week-long day camps offered fun, interactive activities to build skills and learn about opportunities in the skilled trades and technologies.
Premier Doug Ford visited the Sheridan College location last week.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Premier Ford, Minister Dunlop, and Minister Williams,” says Ian Howcroft, CEO of Skills Ontario. “Skills Ontario delivers career exploration programs to youth through many initiatives, including our Summer Camps program.
“It is crucial for youth to not only explore opportunities in the skilled trades and technologies, but also to build their skills for the workforce and consider what career path is right for them.”
Sponsored by the Government of Ontario, Sheridan College, and Magna, the Summer Camp program runs over the months of July and August, providing students with the chance to participate in skilled trade and technology workshops and tours. Skills Ontario also hosts camps for French-speaking youth and Indigenous youth. In conjunction with in-person camps, Skills Ontario is offering virtual workshops this summer, as well.
“Sheridan was honoured to welcome Premier Ford, Minister Dunlop and Minister Willams to our Magna Skilled Trades Centre and to showcase this terrific collaboration with Skills Ontario,” says Gregory Royal, acting associate dean of Sheridan’s Magna School for the Skilled Trades.
“By introducing local youth to some of the many exciting career paths available in the trades, we are planting seeds for the next generation of skilled trades professionals.”