SkillsOntario to work with OCOT to promote trades

George Gritziola (left) and Ian Howcroft make a deal.

The Ontario College of Trades has signed a deal with SkillsOntario to work together to raise awareness about skilled trades.

OCOT CEO and registrar George Gritziotis and SkillsOntario CEO Ian Howcroft have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance their outreach activities to promote skilled trades to young people, parents, educators, and government.

The MOU was made in response to concerns about Canada’s shortage of tradespeople which is expected to hit at least one million by 2020, according to recent research by Workopolis.

According to a 2016 report by the Information and Communications Technology Council, Canada will also need to fill an estimated 218,000 new technology jobs.

“Working in partnership built on shared tools, resources, and objectives this MOU will help direct our efforts to encourage more young people to pursue the skilled trades which can provide a rewarding and well-paying career,” said Gritziotis. “We are committed to working collaboratively with SkillsOntario to build a broader coalition to promote the skilled trades in the province.”

Howcroft said the MOU demonstrates a new commitment to skilled trades promotion in Ontario.

“I welcome this important initiative which guides and strengthens the existing relationship between the Ontario College of Trades and SkillsOntario,” he said. “I look forward to continuing to build on our constructive cooperation in the interest of enhancing the skilled trades in the province.”

Combining the collective strengths of both organizations, this partnership focuses on engaging more employers—highlighting the business and economic value of their participation, and supporting trades education and apprenticeships. The organizations will also work together to build programs to inspire educators and parents to incorporate skilled trades-related activities into career discussions.

www.collegeoftrades.ca

www.skillsontario.com