Youth learn the trades
The Youth in Trades touring jobsite
“Welding.” “Mechanic.” “Roofin’.” “Carpentry.” “Automotive.” “Electrician.”
The Summerside students name their goals.
The Youth in Trades are touring a jobsite in Charlottetown. They’re gathered around the plumbing for a future kitchen. Right now it’s just four tubes.
Dust lies heavy on the floor, but the view from the unfinished apartment is spectacular. The future looks bright as well - over half have already started their 14-week job placements, plucked away by local companies.
Stacey Good used to work as a scaffolder out west, but there’s no call for it here. She’s glad for the chances Youth in Trades has provided.
“I came home and had my son and was kind of lost on where to go,” she said. “It’s really helped me get my foot back in the door for trades.” Good hopes to work with an electrician for her placement.
“It’s the [trade] I find the most interesting. Keeps my hands and my mind busy.” Mitchell McNally used to work inside a library. Now he’s set on carpentry.
“I really enjoy doing work with my hands.”
Scott Murray is a graduate of the program and has worked with Burgoyne Construction since his placement.
“I started on a Friday, cause I didn’t want to wait until Monday.” He said the program was “all positive.” He earned credentials that were needed on the job like first aid and WHMIS. And there was a good camaraderie with his classmates.
“Lot of group discussions,” he said. “We talked about everything from resume building to laws of the universe.”
Sam Sanderson believes in second chances. He’s the general manager of the Construction Association and is leading the tour. Youth in Trades is open to anyone aged 15 - 30, and for many participants it’s a chance to get on track to a career. The project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy - Skills Link program. The industry expects a lot of retirements in the coming years, said Sanderson. Youth aren’t exposed to as many careers in trades with the reduction of industrial arts and the closure of vocational schools like PVI, so programs like Youth in Trades are becoming crucial recruitment tools, he said.
It’s lucrative, year-round work and the industry is busy.
“It’s a great time to be interested in the trades and to get involved in the trades. This is the first step, the employment portion of it is the second step and the sky’s the limit from there.”