A recent Labour Force Survey revealed the unemployment rate for youth aged 15 to 24 at 14.1% is more than double the 6.9% for Canada’s overall labour force.
Meanwhile, skilled trades shortages continue to grow as baby boomers retire and demand for new housing increases.
Labour market studies predict 83,000 job openings in the skilled trades by 2032.
There are vast numbers of students pursuing university degrees majoring in the humanities and sciences unable to find summer jobs and establish careers.
One solution is to allow university students choose practical electives in framing, welding and other skills, in addition to their mandatory majors.
These electives would offer a well-rounded education and provide employable skills during the summer and immediately after graduation.
The skills are also transferable – construction offers good-paying jobs in every community across Canada.
Some students might even choose to pursue construction as a career, after their initial introduction to skills training.
We have trades schools and universities in our region with the expertise to teach the necessary skills, and young people willing and able to learn.
There are many examples of established and successful collaborative programs including the Engineering Bridge program and the School of Nursing.
It’s time for a more flexible and collaborative education system to promote the skilled trades, enable more youth employment, and accommodate our changing society and economy.
This column appears Wednesdays in the Times Colonist.
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