Oakville Beaver | Thursday, September 1, 2022 | 28 WE NEED Overcoming negative perceptions of skilled trades among youth By Jay Menard The adage states that perception is reality. And, unfortu- nately, there's still the perception that skilled trades are only an option for those who don't want to pursue higher education. For Craig Brockwell, the director of external affairs for Support Ontario Youth who is a skilled tradesperson himself, that call to higher education impacted his thoughts on where his sons should pursue post-secondary education. “Yes, all of society has a negative impression of the skilled trades,’ Brockwell explained. "| have two university degrees, as well; | am a carpenter by trade. My first desire for both my sons was for them to pursue a university education rather than a trade. Fortunately, they are both tradespersons now. “Many believe that if you're smart you go to university or col- lege, without recognizing that intelligence is also needed if you are solving problems experienced in the skilled trades” Khadija Hamidu, executive director of Workforce Planning Hamilton, stated that it seems attitudes are changing slowly — especially with support from government programs. “lm happy to say that our community has learned that start- ing the conversation at an earlier age on the benefits of working in the skilled trades is a necessity; Hamidu said. "Giving youth the option of trying different career pathways is an amazing idea. | know that many local boards, including WPH, are working on how to better engage youth in the skilled trades. | would like to use this opportunity to talk about the amazing work done by programs like the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program in both Hamilton school boards. OYAP has really engaged many youths into understanding how amazing it can be for them to start out their journey in skilled trades at an earlier age. "| believe that programs like OYAP have really reduced the stigma and have showcased how valuable youth are in an aging industry. That said, there are still long-standing attitudinal barriers, like those of well-meaning guidance counsellors who steer youth to post-secondary institutions almost as a default. Fortunately, Hamidu added, youth are coming to the conversations armed with information. “Although | believe that stigma will continue when pushing youth into post-secondary institutions, | really do believe that youth have a better understanding of different career pathways. due to the amount of information they are given through social media,’ Hamidu explained. “Many youths believe that going into post-secondary education just might not be for them” Lisa Rizzato, the chief executive officer at Centre for Skills Development, said that parents can prejudice their youth against the skilled trades. But through aggressive marketing and promotion, education about the viable career opportuni- ties that skilled trades provide is slowly changing attitudes. “We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the generational attitudes toward labour in skilled trades and the major impact that parents’ attitudes have on their child’s decisions to choose skilled trades as a career path,’ Rizzato said. “In an attempt to refocus the value of careers in skilled trades, there has been a steady campaign in the messaging to young people around the opportunity and income potential that careers in the skilled trades can bring. This is ‘creating a more robust interest in pursu- ing these as career pat! Brockwell said easing is slowly seeping into the broader collective consciousness, but more work needs to be done. And there are some tangible benefits that, when presented to youth, help reframe the discussion. The lure of high-paying jobs, a shortfall in skilled trades intake, and the promise of continued growth — both in exist- ing skilled trades (like construction and infrastructure), as well as emerging needs to support a greener economy, should appeal to a number of youth. And, for Brockwell, it comes down to ensuring that people understand what skilled trades are what they require, and how it can align to a student's needs. yf OalolleBeaver ¢ STAMPED CONCRETE 7 I READERS’ | «INTERLOCKING WE RE HIRING! D "| CHOICE 2021 * EXPOSED AGGREGATE * FLAGSTONE Ye nee * FRENCH CURBS ; - * RETAINING WALLS wr nk Bos marae ay i a Continual education, training opportunities available. 3° GARAGE FLOORS Looking fora licensed hairsiylis preferably with existing _¢ FREE ESTIMATES clientele. 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