The skilled trades have more people retiring than are entering the system, according to North West Regional College.
According to the Conference Board of Canada, by 2020, it is estimated Canada could be short about one million workers due to an aging population and declining birth rates. The conference board indicates the hardest-hit industries will be manufacturing, construction, petroleum production and transportation. With the shortage of skilled trades workers likely to get worse, unions, construction contractors and other businesses are trying to determine how to attract more young people to those fields.
NWRC in conjunction with, North West Career Development Partnership, Saskatchewan Ministry of the Economy, Potash Corp and Skills Canada will be hosting a Try-a-Trade Career Expo for youth to highlight the trades as potential career options.
A Try-a-Trade interactive career fair will be held on Wednesday, March 13 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the new CUPlex field house in North Battleford. This event will promote careers in trades and apprenticeship to youth, parents and job-seekers. NWRC has issued invitations to schools in the region and anyone interested in exploring trade opportunities is encouraged to attend this free event.
Exhibitors will provide a hands-on activity at each booth to demonstrate the trade they represent. From construction to hairdressing, participants will have a chance to get involved and experience these trades first hand. Over 1,200 students and approximately 40 exhibitors have already registered the college says.
For more information, please call Wendy Roche at North West Regional College, 306-937-5138 or visit www.nwrc.sk.ca and select Try-a-Trade.
