New Brunswick Promotes Skilled Trades Careers with Interactive Exhibits

Canada is facing a growing demand for skilled trades workers due to demographic changes and high retirement rates. To meet this demand and introduce young individuals to rewarding careers, an interactive exhibit is making its way through high schools and colleges across New Brunswick.

Minister Boissonnault Highlights National Campaign

The Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault, has emphasized an interactive exhibit developed by the Government of Canada. This exhibit aims to engage 2,500 students in New Brunswick and inspire them to explore skilled trades careers. This initiative is part of a nationwide campaign that has already visited Ottawa and Montréal, with plans to continue its tour in Toronto and Vancouver later this fall.

An Immersive Learning Experience

The interactive exhibit offers an immersive experience, guiding individuals through various skilled trades careers, helping them identify in-demand trades in their region, and outlining the steps to become a skilled trades worker.

Hands-On Learning Events

In collaboration with Skills Canada, Leo Hayes High School will host the Try-A-Trade event and the Fire Burn event on October 23 and 24. The Fire Burn event, in particular, will offer hands-on learning experiences related to fire safety and the trades involved in fire extinguishing. Later, the exhibit will move to the Saint John campus of New Brunswick Community College on October 26 and 27.

Growing Opportunities in New Brunswick

The construction industry in New Brunswick has seen significant employment growth, with 5,800 new jobs in 2022. In the Fredericton–Oromocto region, several Red Seal trades show promising employment outlooks for 2022–2024, including automotive service technicians, bakers, carpenters, construction millwrights, construction trades helpers, heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning mechanics, cooks, floorcovering installers, and hairstylists.

Supporting Skilled Trades Workforce

This exhibit aligns with the Government of Canada’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, aiming to foster a skilled, inclusive, certified, and productive trades workforce. The government invests nearly $1 billion annually in grants, loans, tax credits, Employment Insurance benefits during in-school training, projects, and support for the Red Seal Program to achieve this goal.