A Regional Skilled Trades Advancement Forum being held in Walkerton this week will gather input to help the region work collectively to increase the supply of skilled trades.
The Nuclear Innovation Institute's "Skilled Trades Secretariat" is working to bring industry leaders and organizations together to maximize training and capitalize on local assets.
The Secretariat will help multiple organizations that are working to raise awareness of skilled trades to connect future labour supply with industry and union leaders.
Friday's program will feature a Keynote address from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and a roundtable discussion.
There will be presentations about the Secretariat, and skilled trades employment pathways. An expert skilled trades panel will feature Pat Dillon from the Trade Council of Ontario, Scott Clarke of Bruce Power, Bruce Smith from Black and McDonald and Mary Jane Bushell of Larsen & Shaw.
Friday's Forum runs from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m, at the Best Western Plus in Walkerton.
The Bruce region experiences a high demand for skilled trades personnel with a 74 per cent demand by employers for a full-time Journeyperson and an 80 per cent demand by employers for full-time apprentices.
Bruce Power’s multi-year, Life Extension Program, will increase the need for nuclear expertise and skilled trade development, requiring 1,000s of tradespeople each year for the next 20 years and beyond. That is expected to add $980 million to $1.2 billion in labour income into the Ontario economy annually.