An initiative to address the skilled labour shortage in the trades was hosted on Wednesday in Oakville, with 47 hand-picked candidates learning the ins and outs of HVAC.
On July 31, 2024, there was a great turnout with lots of learning at Support Ontario Youth’s Tools in the Trades Boot Camp at the Halton Skilled Trades Academy.
"Back in January 2020 we recognized that there was a conversation happening where people were saying there was 'no skilled trade workers' to be found," said Huong Nguyen, Director of Operations at Support Ontario Youth.
At the same time, "apprentices and job seekers were saying 'nobody is hiring' so what we wanted to do was get those two people in the same room."
Tools in the Trades Boot Camp has been an ongoing event since 2021 and they anticipate to have hosted a total of 240 official events by the end of this year according to Nguyen.
At boot camp, pre-screened candidates get hands-on experience with specific tools and equipment. Each attendee also leaves with brand new complimentary tools in a tool bag.
Students participated in workshops covering interview skills, resume writing, and workplace etiquette, along with hands-on learning tailored to their chosen trade with experienced instructors.
At Wednesday's event in Oakville, employers got to meet candidates at the Halton Skilled Trades Academy and see them in action as they learned all the branches of HVAC and demonstrated their skills.
"As we currently face shortages in key trades, this event offers employers an opportunity to observe potential hires in action, almost like conducting a live job interview," said Carol Wayland, President of the Niagara and Halton Skilled Trades Academy.
According to Wayland, the Niagara and Halton Skilled Trades Academy has long admired the work of Tools in the Trades, following their boot camp to various locations where they were hosted.
"This is special for us; this is the first time we're hosting one at our location," said Wayland who noted that another Tools in the Trades Boot Camp will be hosted at the Niagara Skilled Trades Academy in September.
Skilled Trades Academy head shop instructor Dustin said it's "Rewarding to see the new students starting and graduate full of knowledge and a new career path."
"Never stop learning," Dustin continued, "It's ok to make mistakes. That's how you learn. I would rather you make them in my shop so we can learn from them rather than out in the field."
Students certainly get a lot out of these workshops, with some saying it's dramatically benefitted and influenced their career path. "This is the biggest opportunity in my life I have been given," said student Bryce Manuel who already has a job lined up for when he graduates in a few weeks.
"(It's) changed my life and gave me a career path."