Skilled Trades Association, CAW Local 199 St. Catharines (General Motors Unit) | ||||||
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The Honourable Mr. Gerald Kennedy Dear Mr. Kennedy As the new Minister, there is a concern that I hope you can address. The previous government has let apprenticeship training fall far behind. The situation is not at a crisis point just yet. However with the aging population and no long-range program to replace tradespeople leaving the work force, a major trades shortage cannot be far behind. Recently, I had the opportunity to be involved with a career day targeting senior public school students in Niagara. With several other tradespeople I spoke to grade eight students about opportunities in skilled trades. While we found the students were articulate and knowledgeable, most of them were unfamiliar with the role that the various skilled trades played in the economy and even what type of work we did. There were of course some exceptions but usually these were young people who had family friends or relatives who were plumbers, auto-mechanics or electricians. When told that it is not unreasonable for a tradesman in a union environment with overtime, to earn $100,000 per year, not only were the students surprised but their teachers were as well. These young people cannot be held responsible for not knowing about skilled trades, especially when the focus to day is on computer training and its application in the workplace. It’s up to us, the tradespeople and our representatives in government to provide an educational introduction to these important career choices. As early as kindergarten, young people can learn about occupations, beginning with the high profile jobs like members of the police, fire and ambulance departments, teachers, doctors and nurses. As students reach higher grades the discussion about various careers/occupations can become more specific and address the backgrounds schooling required for specific job choices. As not everyone is suited to getting a university degree or working in an office setting, it would be made clear early that there are many rewarding, satisfying important alternatives. Our young people are our most important resource. It is vital that they make well-informed career choices. Vital to them and vital to our future as the province that is the economic engine that drives the country. No doubt there is a big workload with a new ministry but I hope you will be able to look at this issue. Respectfully, John Henderson | ||||||
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