Trades jobs are conduits to management careers, entrepreneurship
Ontario Construction Report staff writer
The Mechanical Contractors Association of Ontario (MCAO) and the Ontario Pipe Trades Council (OPTC) have announced their partnership with Skills/Compétences Canada. Both organizations will be premier sponsors at the 2014 Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) June 4 to 7 at The International Centre in Toronto.
“Partnering with Skills Canada puts MCAO and OPTC in a position to engage with tomorrow’s workforce,” said MCAO membership services director Christina Nardiello. “It also enables us to play a part in ensuring that young people have a high proficiency of essential skills so that they can become outstanding tradespeople capable of meeting industry needs.”
SCNC is the only national, multi-trade and technology competition for students and apprentices in the country. Every year, more than 500 young people from all regions of Canada come to the event to participate in over 40 skilled trade and technology contests. Admission is free to the public and school groups are encouraged to attend.
“Many of the trades in which MCAO and OPTC members engage, such as welding, plumbing, air conditioning, refrigeration, steamfitting, pipefitting, to name a few, are amongst those represented at the Skills Canada National Competition, so it’s fitting that we support this very constructive initiative,” said OPTC business manager James Hogarth.
Skills Canada CEO Shaun Thorson said that as young people consider their career options, they should understand that training and work experience in the skilled trades can often become conduits to management careers and entrepreneurship.
“Many of MCAO members are made up of successful businesses owners and managers who rose up through the trades,” said Thorson. “We’re thrilled that that they have come onboard to help us encourage young Canadians to follow this fulfilling and potential lucrative career path.”
