Photo © Courtesy of Support Ontario Youth
The skilled trades industry is at a turning point. With a significant labour shortage and growing demand for skilled workers, now is the time to invest in the future of the skilled trades in Ontario.
Support Ontario Youth (SOY) is leading the charge in bridging this gap by providing apprentices, employers, and industry stakeholders with the tools, training, and resources necessary to build a strong workforce. Through innovative programs, hands-on learning experiences, and meaningful mentorship, SOY is helping to mould the future of skilled trades and modernize the apprenticeship pathway by supporting all sides of the equation.
“The need for skilled workers is more urgent than ever, with 100,000 tradespeople required over the next decade. That’s why we do what we do. Over our history, we have registered over 1,000 apprentices, partnered with more than 370 employers, awarded over 100 scholarships, and hosted over 4,000 attendees at Boot Camp, and these numbers are always growing,” explains Melanie Winter, Executive Director of Support Ontario Youth.
SOY’s approach is based on not only supporting all sides but also strengthening connections within the industry. This year, they hosted their first-ever Trades & Talent Summit, an event that brought together 200 jobseekers, dozens of employers, and industry partners. This summit served as a platform for collaboration, discussion, and networking, reinforcing the need for strong partnerships to support the skilled trades sector.
Making a Tangible Difference
A successful career in the trades requires more than just technical knowledge; it demands proper training, mentorship, and a clear understanding of the apprenticeship pathway. SOY’s Trades Readiness Program is designed to equip individuals with the skills they need to excel in the construction, industrial, and motive power sectors. This program offers safety training, live webinars, personalized mentorship, workplace success skills, employability coaching, and customized support, ensuring that participants are fully prepared for their careers.
One of SOY’s most impactful initiatives is Tools in the Trades Boot Camp, one-day events that provide a unique hands-on learning experience. “It doesn’t matter if you are new to the trades or are just looking to expand your industry knowledge, our Boot Camps have something for everyone,” explains Winter. “They are a great way to try a trade, so to speak, with a day of free training, networking with industry professionals, and direct connections to potential employers. By providing real-world exposure, we’re helping potential tradespeople gain valuable insights and practical skills to enable them to take their first step towards an apprenticeship.”
“We know that financial challenges can often be a barrier to completing an apprenticeship, so we work alongside partner organizations to offer scholarships like our SOY Education Scholarship and the BOLT Women in Construction Grant,” shares Winter. “It’s all about easing the financial burden so we can help more individuals pursue and complete their training in the skilled trades.”
As a registered charity, Support Ontario Youth is committed to addressing training gaps, providing mentorship, and advocating for apprentices and employers across Ontario. The future of the skilled trades depends on strong initiatives that support the next generation of workers, and SOY is proud to play a key role in workforce development by equipping apprentices and employers with the tools and support they need to succeed.
With the ongoing labour shortage, programs like Support Ontario Youth have never been more essential. Learn more at www.supportontarioyouth.ca.
This Employment Ontario program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
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At Support Ontario Youth, we transform skilled trades by addressing apprenticeship gaps. As a registered charity, we empower apprentices and employers through tailored support, mentorship, and modernized feedback processes, ensuring successful trade pathways.