“Retooling for a Prosperous Ontario, A Global Perspective on Skilled Trades” explores best practices in other jurisdictions that have dealt with a shortage in skilled trades.
The report provides an update on Ontario’s progress since the release of the Ontario Chamber’s first report in September, 2005 detailing initiatives that have been taken since that time and the challenges currently facing Ontario.
The report also identifies that although some progress has been made in the area of skilled trades, many of the recommendations of September, 2005 remain valid today.
Key themes emerge in the approaches in other jurisdictions leading the Ontario Chamber of Commerce to suggest that Ontario adopt a similar approach. That approach would include:
- a strategic marketing campaign in order to “re-brand” the image of skilled trades in the eyes of all stakeholders;
- a skills strategy that reduces red tape and creates a “one stop shop” for apprenticeship services; and
- the elimination of barriers for internationally-trained skilled trades workers.
