New website promotes careers in trades and technology

The economy is ‘red hot’ but what are the best careers locally?

Parents, educators and the media are invited to find out by browsing the new T3-Think Trades and Technology website.

“The new website is a valuable community resource designed to promote local careers in trades and technology,” explained consultant Meg Savory. “There’s a shortage of skilled workers in the region. The new website aims to raise awareness amongst those who have the greatest influence over the career decisions of children and youth – primarily parents, educators and the media.”

The web based resource includes a collection of stories and photographs showcasing successful employees working in trades and technology careers, central Vancouver Island employers, and profiles of the Top 10 trades and technology careers in the region.

“We’ve featured graduates from Malaspina University-College, as well as graduates from other institutions,” said Savory. “By using the website, we hope educators, parents and the media will be better able to provide timely, balanced and accurate information to young people about the opportunities available to them.”

Malaspina and Nanaimo’s Economic Development Group’s (EDG) received federal funding to launch the T3-Think Trades and Technology project in 2005.

In phase one, Savory was hired to examine trades and technology promotion across Canada, and meet with parents, teachers, counsellors and the media in central Vancouver Island communities to gather opinions and ideas on how to best promote careers in trades and technology.

“We determined that educators, parents and the media want regional information, including more knowledge of the options available for young people,” she said. “Our new web-based resources will help address this need.”

With additional funding through Service Canada's Job Creation Partnership initiative, Savory hired four people last fall to work with Malaspina’s Online Development Team to create the web-based resources.

Future plans include development of information packages, and a hands-on career fair for parents and young children.

Savory said Canadian children tend to select occupations they are familiar with. “But there’s 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,” she added.

“The problem seems to be a social stigma around trades and technology careers. Many parents see trades and technology occupations as a second choice,” she said. “They want their kids to go to university and steer them towards academic programs. That’s a great option, but it’s not for all kids.”

“So the question becomes how do we change the stigma? How do we start parents, educators and the media thinking about and promoting trades and technology vocations? We’re hoping our new web resources will show that careers in trades and technology are demanding, satisfying, well paying and widely available in our region.”

Dennis Silvestrone, Malaspina’s Dean of Adult and Continuing Education, said the institution is pleased to work in partnership with EDG on the T3 Think Trades and Technology initiative.

“Our common goal is to strengthen the economic prosperity of our region,” said Silvestrone, who is a member of EDG. “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. We believe the T3 Think Trades and Technology website will help achieve that.”

Partners in the T3-Think Trades and Technology-Vancouver Island project include BC Hydro, the Mid-Island Science, Technology and Innovation Council, and the Government of Canada.

The new T3-Think Trades and Technology web address is t3vi.ca.