Apprenticeship

Through a variety of community based partnerships, the LMG has successfully brought local apprenticeship awareness to the forefront.  Skilled Trades shortages are an issue across the country, and some statistics show that vast numbers of people currently working in these fields will retire within the next five to ten years, leaving huge gaps in the ability to fill job vacancies. 

Several events have been spearheaded by the LMG to connect the community with the apprenticeship and skilled trades related services.  Most noted is an annual skilled trade fair entitled ‘Explore the Trades’.  Over the past 6 years, this event alone has seen thousands of members of the local community walk through the doors.  Over 200 employers have participated in this event and have showcased their trade in a way that has the youth of the community interested and highly motivated.  In addition to this event, the LMG has produced the ‘Skilled Trades Handbook’, a guidebook for students and the general public that showcases a variety of different trades and includes information on wage rates and local institutions where skilled trades training is offered. 

The Labour Market Group has also had success working with area employers to ensure they are aware of the various tax related incentives offered by the Provincial government to hire and retain apprentices.  These networking and information breakfast sessions provide local employers with the information they need to ensure their participation in apprenticeship related programs. 

According to the Labour Market Group’s recent Trends, Opportunities and Priorities (TOP) report, building activity throughout the Nipissing and Parry Sound districts is on the increase.  Infrastructure development will open up a variety of employment opportunities in the region and will enhance economic development opportunities.  The jobs associated with such construction projects include a wide variety of skilled trades related positions.  Increasing the appeal of the trades to both young people and the general public will be effective in ensuring that the local area is able to supply the necessary skilled trades workers, instead of having to import labour to meet the demand in the near future.