Sparking interest in skilled trades
By Frances Learment. Article & picture courtesy of the Owen Sound Sun Times
Town councillors gave a “pretty clear indication” that they want to partner with the Saugeen Sparks Training Centre to help deal with a significant shortfall of skilled trades workers – they directed staff to include the Centre’s request for $50,000 for consideration during upcoming budget talks.
In a presentation to the Oct. 11 committee of the whole, Sparks’ executive director Rob Stanley said the $50,00 would cover a year’s lease for a Green St. building – the current Bruce County EMS station. (The new EMS HQ in Port Elgin is slated for opening late this year.)
Stanley said the Centre’s primary goal is to “spark interest in skilled trades for the region’s youth and those seeking re-skilling opportunities” in a region with unfilled skilled trade job openings.
He said the mission of the not-for-profit training and skills development centre is to conduct outreach programs to educate local youth about future careers in skilled trades, and to help youth and adults to “explore their curiosity and discover their interest” in the skilled trades through programs, partnerships and community engagement.
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Stanley said the vision says through hands-on learning and positive mentoring, the Centre would provide introductory skills development programs, leading to further educational and/or diverse regional employment opportunities.
Centre director Hugh Morrison, principal at GC Huston School in Southampton, said they plan to launch the Centre within weeks.
“The Centre’s goal is to provide outreach and hands-on introductory skills training and re-skilling learning opportunities. We think this will lead to more diverse employment opportunities for youth in the area,” Morrison said.
The Centre’s successful hosting of a Tools In The Trades event last month at GC Huston School in Southampton sparked the flame for future outreach events, partnerships and programming opportunities.
During 2024, the Centre’s programming will include community Outreach and spring night class programming at Saugeen District Senior School.
Stanley said the proposed Green St. building would mainly be used for soft skills and computer-based training and as an information centre to promote pathways to the skilled trades.
“Establishing a Centre focused on sparking interest in the skilled trades through outreach and hands-on training is an important initiative to address and help bridge the province’s skilled trades gap,” Stanley said.
He said the Centre represents the municipality’s and county’s shared commitment to fostering a sustainable and prosperous future.
“As technology advances and industries evolve, skilled trades remain the foundation of progress,” Stanley said, adding that an adequately trained and agile workforce would secure local businesses and also attract new industries, encouraging economic diversity and resilience.
Mayor Charbonneau said referring the Centre’s $50,000 request to staff is a starting point to look at options.
He said with the nuclear reactor expansion at Bruce Power, there would be people who will need houses that will require electricians and plumbers.
“ You want to do something where you’re going to be a success in life or write your ticket in terms of how much money you can make and what kind of lifestyle you can have, skilled trades is the place to be,” Charbonneau said, adding that’s the message he gives his children.
He offered thanks to Centre directors for the huge opportunity they offer to local youth and offered “kudos” to the school system for its skilled trades programming.
“Its really amazing how society and organizations and schools are turning their attention toward this opportunity for people and really highlighting it and making it – putting it on the pedestal it deserves – it is the highest calling you can have,” Charbonneau said, adding the directors heard a “pretty clear indication” at the meeting that the Town wants to partner with the Centre and will decide how during upcoming budget deliberations.
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