New Report Calls for Modernizing Ontario's Skilled Trades System
OTTAWA, March 30, 2015 /CNW/ - A new report written by Dawson Strategic for a number of prominent Ontario Construction Associations highlights the need for a modernized skilled trades and apprenticeship system.
Ontario's construction industry is at a crossroads. There are tremendous opportunities in the skilled trades across Ontario. However, the current system isn't allowing Ontario to maximize outcomes and provide apprenticeship opportunities.
The Ontario College of Trades, a recently created regulatory body, has been given the mandate to protect the public interest. The report examines how the College has performed to-date and finds that it can do better. The report charts a positive path forward that will allow all stakeholders to have more confidence in the future direction of training in the province by providing more apprenticeship opportunities and lowering barriers into the skilled trades.
Bottom line: We need forward-thinking solutions to transform Ontario into the leading jurisdiction in North America supporting training and apprenticeship outcomes. Addressing our challenges today will allow tomorrow's skilled trades to have the tools to build the next generation of energy efficient homes and quality public infrastructure.
"Our research clearly shows there is work to do in Ontario to unleash the true potential of the skilled trades in the province," says Dawson Strategic president Dr. Laura Dawson. "Our economic growth depends on it."
"Every day I hear from association members who would like to hire an apprentice but can't because of outdated regulations," said Joe Vaccaro, CEO of the Ontario Home Builders' Association. "The College of Trades should be clearing roadblocks that prevent young workers from finding an apprenticeship opportunity and create policies that build Ontario up."
"Good decisions come from good data – that's why RESCON supported this report," added Richard Lyall, president of RESCON (Residential Construction Council of Ontario). "The future of OCOT is an important issue for the construction industry and our members. We remain committed to working with Tony Dean as the process continues in hope of correcting past errors and unlocking the benefits that OCOT can bring to the industry."
SOURCE Sophie Nadeau Media Consulting
To read the report in its entirety go to http://dawsonstrat.com/2015/03/30/OHBA-report/. To book interviews with Dr. Laura Dawson please contact Sophie Nadeau at 613-266-7587 or by email at [email protected]. To arrange an interview with OHBA CEO Joe Vaccaro please contact Kathryn Segal at 647-255-3875 or by email at [email protected].
Share this article