Ontario Construction News staff writer
Skills Ontario Summer Camps has been hosting week-long day summer camps across the province this summer, with fun, interactive activities to build skills and promote opportunities in the skilled trades and technologies.
“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,” said Ian Howcroft, CEO at Skills Ontario. “The skilled trades and technologies offer incredible pathways, and it is Skills Ontario’s mission to highlight that to youth and to help support Ontario’s future leaders’ career exploration journeys.”
Sponsored by the Government of Ontario 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.
“It’s great to see so many students considering a career in the skilled trades,” said Melissa Young, CEO and Registrar of Skilled Trades Ontario. “The trades offer plenty of options for young people, including the opportunity to get paid as you learn from experienced professionals in your trade. Skills Ontario’s summer camps are a great way to test drive the many options out there, in an engaging and hands-on environment.”
Skills Ontario is also hosting camps for French-speaking youth and Indigenous youth. In conjunction with in-person camps, Skills Ontario is offering virtual workshops this summer, as well.
“Working in the skilled trades is meaningful, fun, and for many young people, offers a path to a better life,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Our government is proud to invest in programs like Skills Ontario Summer Camp, which give children (and their parents) a chance to learn about these life-changing careers.”