Addressing challenges to getting students into the skilled trades: Editorial

As demand for skilled trades workers soars, some are questioning how to best get students into the skilled trades. CBC reports that British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario have each made policy and funding decisions that will increase the number of skilled trade workers, but several barriers remain that will prevent additional skills trades training from taking place. These include a lack of educators—as experienced journeypersons must complete additional teaching training and face a significant pay cut if they choose to become educators—and low student and teacher awareness of the opportunities in the trades. Camosun College instructor Mike Bocsik also commented on the importance of ongoing training in the trades as technology advances and noted that there are more opportunities for the trades and education sectors to collaborate on learning opportunities for students.