Ontario Students, Get Early Path To A Career In The Trades Industry

The concept of allowing grade 11 students in Ontario to enroll in a full-time trades program while giving them the opportunity to graduate with a dual diploma may be new to Ontario, but it is fairly common in many other countries. The Premier’s new initiative announced on Wednesday is designed to provide high school students with a clear path into the trades rather than attending university.

On average, tradespeople do not earn their full Journeyperson status until they are close to 30 years of age. This new initiative is in line with many European countries, such as Norway, which give high school students a clear path into the trades.

Since 2020, Ontario has invested nearly $1 billion to make it easier to learn a trade, breaking the stigma, attracting youth, simplifying the system, and encouraging employer participation. On average, a person in the trades can earn significantly higher wages than a university graduate.

“These changes provide students with exciting pathways to good-paying jobs and rewarding careers and support our government’s ongoing work to attract more young people into the skilled trades,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Whether it’s enhancing trades education in our schools, breaking down barriers for newcomers, or upskilling workers, we’re leaving no stone unturned to train the skilled workforce that will build Ontario.”

The premier also added that Ontario needs over 27,000 workers by 2027 due to the massive construction projects currently underway and on the rise. This initiative will provide Ontario with a skilled workforce to meet the needs of the growing construction industry.

This program is an exciting development for Ontario’s education system and will give students an opportunity to pursue employment in the trades industry with the potential for high wages and a rewarding career. It will also help to break down the stigma surrounding trades and provide an alternative pathway to success for students who may not be interested in pursuing a university degree. By investing in the skilled workforce, Ontario can continue to grow and prosper in the years to come.