George Brown College (GBC) hosted the CEO of Skilled Trades Ontario and Ontario's Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development for a special announcement about shaping the future of apprenticeships on March 29 at the Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts.
Minister Monte McNaughton was on hand as Skilled Trades Ontario CEO Melissa Young announced an exciting new initiative to create Standards Industry Advisory Committees. Skilled trades professionals are invited to participate and lend their expertise as Skilled Trades Ontario develops and updates industry standards for apprenticeship training and exams.
"Progress like this is important as we continue tackling a historic labour shortage in the skilled trades," McNaughton said.
GBC President Dr. Gervan Fearon welcomed Young and McNaughton to the Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts (CHCA) and highlighted our vital role in supporting the Ontario economy by preparing highly skilled workers.
"We are one of Ontario's leading providers of skilled trades training, offering certificates, diplomas and apprenticeships in areas such as carpentry, plumbing and welding, as well as a graduate certificate in Building Information Modeling and a degree program in construction management," he said.
"We recognize the vitally important role skilled trades play in our economy and our society — ensuring that we have the housing, infrastructure, and resources we all need. Skilled workers are crucial to gains in productivity, the competitiveness of our economy, and the prosperity of all Canadians."
After the announcement, Young and McNaughton participated in a cooking demonstration in one of the college's culinary labs. Apprentices from the Centres for Hospitality and Culinary Arts and Construction and Engineering Technologies had the opportunity to speak to the minister and take questions from the media.
Young and McNaughton also spoke with teachers and guidance counsellors from the York Region District School Board who were touring the college.
Learn more about apprenticeship programs at George Brown College.
