June 3, 2021 – Ontario is investing almost $440,000 in a project to help over 2000 high school students learn about available skilled trades and technology careers.

“This investment is part of our strategy to break the stigma that still surrounds working in the skilled trades,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “We need to show students and their parents that becoming a tradesperson—a carpenter, a plumber, or an electrician—can be as fulfilling as becoming a doctor, lawyer or an engineer.”

Led by not-for-profit Junior Achievement (JA), the project will offer free activities and events—virtually and in-person—for high school students aged 15 to 18, including:

• A province-wide virtual fair in October 2021 for 2000 students to learn about skilled trades and technology careers.

• A 50-hour training program from July 2021 to March 2022 for 800 students to acquire technical skills “that help prepare them to succeed” in sought-after professions.

• A province-wide virtual event in March 2022 for hundreds of youth to demonstrate their new skills and connect with local industry mentors.

“Our continued investments in the skilled trades, coupled with real-world learning, will ensure more young people enter and succeed in these dignified, well-paid, and often entrepreneurial vocations,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education.

“In partnership with JA charters across Ontario, this initiative will leverage JA’s signature Company Program, teaching high school students to think like entrepreneurs, learn essential skills, support their employability, and inspire them to consider careers in the trades and technology sectors,” said Jennifer Holmes Weier, JA Central Ontario.

Questions? Students, parents and teachers interested in the program can contact info@jacentralontario.org for more information.

50% of students participating in the program will come from underrepresented groups.