In today's National Post: Get ready for an in-demand and essential career with skilled trades education at George Brown College

As an accredited polytechnic institution, George Brown provides the perfect blend of theoretical knowledge, practical training and real-world experience to ensure students develop the skills needed now in the industry. For nearly 60 years, GBC has been building partnerships with respected industry leaders — partners who work with us to develop program content and provide work-integrated learning experiences. 

Apprenticeships that lead to exciting careers 

GBC offers skilled trades training and apprenticeships in many areas, including construction, culinary arts, electrical, early childhood education, information technology, plumbing, welding and more. 

"This is the time to take the leap and pursue skilled trades education and training," said Dev Baichan, Associate Dean of the School of Apprenticeships and Skilled Trades at GBC. "Careers in the trades offer excellent earning potential and opportunities for advancement and growth. There are amazing opportunities right now for young people who want to launch a rewarding career and for people looking to make a career shift — the average age of an apprentice in Ontario is 30." 

GBC is a Training Delivery Agent for Ontario's Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and offers apprenticeships in the construction, manufacturing, and culinary sectors. 

Roadian Wilson completed the Industrial Millwright Mechanic Pre-Apprenticeship program. He landed a job with the company where he completed his field placement and is working toward his second level of apprenticeship. 

"The program changed my life more than I had expected," he said. "A millwright is one of the most in-demand trades in Canada." 

Students can complete apprenticeship levels I, II and III at GBC in the heart of Toronto. 

And our students make their mark in the industry before graduating. At Skills Ontario, Team GBC medalled in several categories, including baking and pastry arts, culinary arts, electrical installations, restaurant service, and sheet metal. Two Chef School students went on to Skills Canada. Negus King won gold in cooking, and Sabina Lee won silver in baking. 

Skilled trades training at GBC leads to bright futures for our graduates and the country. Governments are investing in the future of the sector, and the demand for skilled tradespeople is high. 

Ensuring everyone feels welcome in the skilled trades is integral to addressing the labour shortage. It also fosters a more innovative and dynamic workforce. GBC continues providing pathways into the construction trades specifically for women with the Women Transitioning to Trades and Employment program. We also offer scholarships, bursaries and awards to support underrepresented people in the trades, including Black and Indigenous students and learners from other equity-deserving groups. 

"Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw more individuals exit Canada's labour market than enter it, and this trend is only intensifying as our population ages. For the first time in Canada's history, there are more individuals over 65 than children under 15. As more people retire and fewer youth enter the labour market, these demographic shifts will have significant consequences for our economy. In addition to declining economic output and workforce participation rates, we can expect to see skills shortages in key areas – all of which could hamper Canada's economic growth and competitiveness," said GBC President Dr. Gervan Fearon. 

"To counteract these challenges, we will need all hands on deck. Increasing the workforce participation of all working-age Canadians – particularly those from underrepresented groups – will be critical for Canada to achieve its full economic and social prosperity potential. An inclusive Canada requires an inclusive labour market on both the supply and demand sides of the equation." 

Get details on GBC's skilled trades training at georgebrown.ca/trades.