“The money is gonna support projects that encourage broader participation in the construction sector in Ontario, including from those in groups traditionally underrepresented. It’s well paying work that’s in high demand.”
Smith says there will also be a push to attract more women to skilled trades.
QHBA Chief Executive Officer Ruth Estwick says with a shortage in tradespeople, especially in the construction industry, the project is meant to get people interested in the trades and change the perception on what it’s like to work in skilled trades.
“There’s definitely a tremendous shortage. You know, the average age of a mason is 55, 56 years old. So, as those people retire, all of those jobs are going to open up. This isn’t a one year project for us, this is the start of the future of building, you know, the momentum of skilled trades in the region.”
As of 2016, it was estimated nearly one in three journeypersons were aged 55 or older.
QHBA member Brad Newbatt is part of the working group behind the project.
“It’ll really help demand. Hopefully we can, we can solve the demand by increasing supply, by opening up those pathways and helping people to understand how to get into the trades and seeing it’s just a, such a great career option for them.”
