When I first started out in the trades as a tool and die maker, there were no such things as mobile training units, flexible class times, or partnerships between training providers and industry to give students real-life, hands-on experience.
While these time have changed, there is still the common perception that the skilled trades and the trades training system are lingering in the dark ages and not quite keeping up with the demands of the 21st century.
In British Columbia, we have an incredible opportunity on the horizon. The provincial government’s B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint supports innovation in trades training through efforts to continually explore and develop new ways to make trades training work better, especially through stronger partnerships with industry, labour and training providers. This means the skilled trades landscape will continue to evolve over time.
Now more than ever, it’s crucial that we stay ahead of the curve to support trades training, encourage program completion and ensure BC students and workers are first in line for jobs in the growing economy.
The key word here is innovation. As a province, we’ve been working together across all regions to implement innovative practices with a primary focus on: regional access (breaking down geographical barriers by bringing training opportunities to remote areas); flexible delivery (encouraging training delivery with flexible scheduling and innovative tools); partnerships (between institutions, training providers, industry, employers, and communities); and student supports (programs that build on essential skills and cultural knowledge to support employment success and retention). All of these efforts are aimed at improving trades training delivery and outcomes.
This is why I’m so excited about the Industry Training Authority’s new partnerships with the British Columbia Chamber of Commerce, Kamloops Chamber of Commerce and Prince George Chamber of Commerce. These are great examples of how we’re leveraging partnerships to strengthen our trades training delivery model, and ultimately increase the sponsorship of apprentices throughout the province in high-demand areas; specifically construction-related trades jobs such as welders, carpenters, plumbers and electricians.
Through these partnerships, ITA will engage with small and medium-sized businesses to encourage employers to sponsor apprentices.
These partnerships will also allow us to link current Chamber members to apprenticeship opportunities and resources, and encourage existing sponsors to support their regional Chamber.
With over 37,000 registered apprentices and 2,500 high school pre-apprentices in B.C., it is a great time for employers to hire apprentices and ensure they are securing their future workforce. It is all about succession planning for your business.
We look forward to lining up new partnerships and additional innovative developments on the trades training landscape in the future. We’re just getting started.
Gary Herman is CEO of the Industry Training Authority and a member of the Journal of Commerce Editorial Advisory Board. Send comments or questions to editor@journalofcommerce.com.
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