The Toronto General Contractors Association (GCAT), for example, “is very much in favor of revitalizing graduation requirements,” said Jim Vlahos, the association’s executive director.
“Skilled trades offer exciting, lucrative and rewarding careers, and we believe mandatory credit will expose students to opportunities they would otherwise not have known. GCAT commends the work this government is continuing to do to address our workforce shortage while promoting careers in construction, including skilled trades and for providing a sound perception of the construction industry to help make informed career decisions.”
“These changes will result in more students being introduced to skilled trades and technologies, which will help overcome our skills shortages and move more people towards fulfilling and rewarding careers,” said Ian Howcroft, CEO of Skills Ontario.
Attracting women to skilled trades would go a long way, said Harseshaj Dhami, founder of tech education platform Codespire.
“Technology is the future, and the time has come for us to ensure that all Ontario youth – regardless of race, gender or social class – are given the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the jobs of the future.”