(March 15, 2019) – The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) welcomes today’s Ford government announcement to reform education curriculum and refocus on improving opportunities for students to pursue careers in the skilled trades.
“We very much welcome the government’s announced plan to increase student and parent exposure to the skilled trades and promote the trades as a high-demand and rewarding career pathway,” said Sean Reid, Vice President and Regional Director, Ontario for PCA. “For too long, our students have heard the message that working in the skilled trades is a ‘last resort’ that comes second to other occupations. The government’s plan will help remove that stigma, boost interest and enrollment in the skilled trades and apprenticeship training and address the skills shortage that is currently holding back our skilled trades industries.”
PCA is especially pleased to see the focus on engaging parents.
“Research consistently shows that parents’ negative views about the skilled trades is an enormous barrier for young people considering this career path,” added Reid. “Ending the stigma starts by changing parents’ attitudes, so they encourage their sons and daughters to make the skilled trades their first career choice.”
PCA looks forward to working with the Ford government on the implementation of this plan.
About the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA)
PCA is the voice of progressive unionized employers in Canada’s construction industry. PCA member companies are leaders in infrastructure construction across Canada, employing more than 25,000 skilled construction workers who are represented primarily by CLAC.
For further information, contact:
Danna O’Brien, danna@obriencommunications.ca, 416-500-0699