A Regional Skilled Trades Advancement Forum today in Walkerton attracted over 90 participants including representatives from government, trade unions, labour organizations, senior college and school board administrators, executives from Bruce Power and numerous suppliers.
The Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) hosted today's forum to gather input and insight on the opportunities to work collectively as a region to expand and increase the supply of skilled trades to meet future demand.
The half-day session began with a keynote address from Patrick Dillon, Business Manager, Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario, who spoke to a number of fundamental topics including building capacity through apprenticeships, developing the local economy, and the diversity of career opportunities.
The Forum also included an expert panel discussion and wrapped up with a roundtable discussion.
The feedback received during the session will frame the Skilled Trades Advancement Strategy.
One of the three key functions for the NII is a Trades and Skilled Workforce Secretariat. The Trades and Skilled Workforce Secretariat, consists of industry leaders coordinating and increasing employment in the skilled trades in support of building a strong, sustainable regional labour force. It will be based on partnerships with education, labour unions and the government, the Secretariat works to collaboratively address regional and sectoral needs in the labour market and increase participation in underrepresented groups.
“Innovation is about finding new products, ideas and methods; this includes finding creative, collaborative ways to build our skilled trades resources,” said Frank Saunders, President, Nuclear Innovation Institute. “Helping ensure we have enough trades to support Bruce Power’s Major Component Replacement program and the regional nuclear industry is key to our success. Today has been a great example of how the NII will bring together key partners in the public and private sectors to help ensure we continue forward on the path to long-term success – collectively.”
“Today’s event was a great opportunity to bring all the various stakeholders from across our region together to build the foundation necessary to advance our vision for a Trades and Skilled Workforce Secretariat,” said Mitch Twolan, Warden of Bruce County. “The feedback received today will help inform the Secretariats engagement strategy, a tactical roadmap, directly addressing labour shortages and known labour market issues, advancing the Bruce region as a skilled trades’ and training hub,” Twolan adds.
