A shortage of shop teachers is threatening efforts to grow Canada’s skilled trades workforce, reports Brandie Weikle of CBC. With up to 700,000 tradespeople set to retire by 2028, shop classes are a key entry point to the profession. However, schools are struggling to staff these programs due to barriers such as lengthy and expensive training programs, and salaries that fall short of industry wages. Weikle highlights how the circumstances and responses of each province varies: Alberta and British Columbia are pursuing targeted recruitment efforts, while Ontario has increased the demand for shop teachers by implementing a tech-ed credit graduation requirement. Without intervention, educators interviewed by CBC warn that some shop programs could disappear altogether.
