For Ottawa’s construction, renovation and manufacturing companies, the workforce challenge is real and familiar. Experienced tradespeople are retiring, demand for skilled workers remains strong – and employers need to find new ways to bring the next generation into the industry.
A new, tuition-free program from Youth Ottawa and Willis College – with funding from the Ontario government via Employment Ontario and the Skills Development fund – is set to do just that by combining youth support and post-secondary training to create a pathway to the skilled trades.
But there is one more piece needed to make the program successful: industry.
That’s why Youth Ottawa is asking Ottawa-area construction, renovation, manufacturing and trades-related businesses to get involved in the initiative to help young people understand their chosen industry, make connections, and see where a career in the trades could take them.
A six-week skills development program built around workforce needs
The six-week program – launching its first cohort in October – is open to those aged 18 to 29 and provides about 25 hours of training a week. Tuition is covered and participants receive personal protective equipment, including hard hats and steel-toed boots.
Organizers say participants will have attained three industry certifications and the foundational skills necessary for an entry-level position or apprenticeship by the end of the program.
“This is a new way of working together,” says Youth Ottawa Executive Director Jesse Card. “We’re bringing together our group, which has supported young people for more than 30 years; Willis College, with 160 years of training experience; and businesses that understand what their workforce needs. Together, we believe we can make a real difference in the lives of young people and in Ottawa’s workforce.”
The program’s curriculum has already been shaped with input from industry, Card says, adding that Youth Ottawa’s professional advisory committee for the program began with six or seven homebuilders and skilled trades companies and has grown to about 15 employers.
That input helps ensure participants learn technical fundamentals along with appropriate workplace behaviours and expectations of employers.
Youth Ottawa is now reaching out to more employers across the region, to help connect participants with the industry they hope to enter.
An invitation to employers: Get involved
Businesses can participate in a number of ways – including as a guest speaker or by offering mentorship, hosting a workplace or job site tour, meeting with participants, advising on the program’s development, or exploring opportunities to hire graduates.
Employers don’t have to make a hiring commitment to get involved, and participation could begin simply by opening the door. A company can invite participants to a job site, have a tradesperson talk about their career, meet with students or provide feedback about the skills it needs.
For those who see a potential fit, the relationship could eventually lead to a placement, apprenticeship or job. Participants will complete 120 hours of training and earn industry certifications before being connected with employers, helping create a more prepared pool of potential workers.
The goal is a stronger connection between young people looking for direction and companies looking for motivated workers.
‘Creating that spark in a young person – giving them a sense of purpose’
Card says Youth Ottawa brings its experience supporting young people to the program, including outreach and wraparound support to help participants navigate the transition from training to the workplace. That support continues after the six-week program through Youth Ottawa’s broader network.
Willis College, for its part, brings the training expertise, curriculum development, equipment and practical instruction needed to prepare participants for the workplace.
“For Willis College, success is creating that spark in a young person – giving them a sense of purpose and helping them see a brighter future,” says Willis College President and CEO Henry Devlin. “They may go into a job in the skilled trades, pursue further education or discover that a particular career isn’t for them. What matters is that they’re moving forward.”
Government funding through Employment Ontario makes the training tuition-free, removing one barrier for young people exploring a new career.
If your company is looking for workers – or simply wants to help shape the next generation of tradespeople – contact Youth Ottawa to get involved.
