Mal-U and EDG team up to promote trades and technology

A new initiative is underway to encourage more young people to consider a career in trades.

Malaspina University-College, working in partnership with Nanaimo’s Economic Development Group’s (EDG) Human Resource Strategy Implementation Committee, received federal funding for phase one of a project called "T3 Think Trades and Technology."

"T3 Think Trades and Technology seeks to raise awareness amongst those people who influence the career decisions of children and youth," said Kathleen Savory, a consultant hired by Malaspina to spearhead the project. "These influencers are primarily parents, teachers, counselors and the media.

"Our goal is to raise awareness about trades and technology occupations, so the influencers can provide timely, balanced and accurate information."

Savory held a series of focus groups in December with parents, teachers, counselors and the media in the Nanaimo and Parksville communities to gather opinions and ideas on how to best promote careers in trades and technology to young people. She also researched trades and technology promotion across Canada.

"We know that Canadian children tend to select occupations they are familiar with," said Savory. "But there is a significant mismatch between the choices young people are making and the realities of the current and expected labour market – with trades and technology occupations in Canada going unfulfilled while young people select academic paths or opt out of further education after high school."

The problem, said Savory, seems to be "a social stigma" around trades and technology.

"Most parents in Canada and B.C. see trades as a second choice," she explained. "They want their kids to go to university and steer their kids toward academic programs. That’s a great option, but it’s not the only option for all kids. So the question becomes how do we change the stigma around choosing a trades or technological career path? How we start parents, teachers and counselors and the media thinking about and promoting trades and technology vocations?"

Savory said most Canadian provinces produce materials targeted directly at youth, rather than trying to reach the key people – parents, teachers, counselors and the media – who often play a central role in influencing and encouraging young people’s career choices.

Savory’s final report summarizing her findings will be submitted to Human Resources and Skills Development Canada by the end of January with a request for additional funding for phase two of the project – developing specific materials aimed at parents, teachers, counselors and the media to help and encourage them to promote trades and technology careers to young people.

"Some of our recommendations include developing a website, information packages, and a hands-on career fair for parents and young children," said Savory. "Ideally these items would be produced with a corporate sponsor."

Dennis Silvestrone, Dean of Adult & Continuing Education at Malaspina, said the institution is pleased to be working in partnership with EDG on the T3 Think Trades and Technology initiative.

"EDG's purpose is to strengthen the economic prosperity of our region," said Silvestrone, who is a member of the group. "If we want to achieve social and economic growth for our region, we need to have a skilled and talented work force, including skilled trades and technical personnel,to work in key sectors such as advanced manufacturing and information technology.

"To address these labour requirements, we need to provide more opportunities for young people to enter the trades and technical occupations. That includes heightening their awareness of the possibilities available. T3 Think Trades and Technology can help achieve that."