The new Education that Works for You vision released by Ontario Minister of Education Lisa Thompson recently includes increasing student and parent exposure to skilled trades and promoting the trades through education.
“Ontario students have experienced significant success through Specialist High Skills Majors and Dual Credit programs which have provided opportunities for students to experience skilled trades and apprenticeships,” indicates the Ontario Government’s website. “The Ministry of Education will work closely with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to increase student and parent exposure to skilled trades, technology and apprenticeship training and focus on promoting these high-demand career pathways.”
Sean Reid, vice-president and regional director for the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA), said the move is long overdue and is “righting a generational wrong in the school system.”