The Ontario government is working across the province to highlight the promise of good pay, pensions and purpose-driven work that comes with a career in the skilled trades, and it’s working!

The province has seen a rise in the number of individuals seeking apprenticeships as a way to gain practical skills and secure employment in trades.

According to the ministry, there has been a 28 percent increase in women enrolling in apprenticeships. 

Ontario’s labour minister, Monte McNaughton, stated that over the last year, apprenticeship registrations rose from 21,971 to 27,319.

“One of the big reasons is because we’re ending the stigma around the skilled trades,” he said. “We’ve sent a message for the last few years that careers in the trades are rewarding, they’re lucrative and well-paying, and often they come with pensions and benefits.” 

Expanding skilled trades career fairs to additional cities this year is a crucial step in promoting and encouraging careers in the trades. This initiative the province has taken on is vital for addressing the skills gap and fostering a sustainable workforce.

It’s estimated that 1.3 million people work in skilled trades in Ontario, with about a third of apprentices and tradespeople retiring.

The shortage of workers, particularly in the apprenticeship sector, is reaching a critical level. By 2026, it is predicted that one in five jobs will be in the skilled trades, emphasizing the growing demand for skilled workers. In the next four years, the construction industry is expected to need approximately 72,000 workers.

Continuing to emphasize the message that not every young person has to go to university to be successful in life is crucial for our future generations.

Conclusion

Apprenticeships can lead to stable employment and higher wages, among other benefits. We’re helping people gain the skills they need to advance their careers and help build up the construction workforce. Click here to learn more about how Trades for Tomorrow can help support apprentices.

Credit goes to The Star for the quotes and information.