The Prodigal Technician: Auto industry employment up 2.2 percent in Q1 2023, remains ‘robust’, DAC report says
Toronto, Ontario — A new report from DesRosiers Automotive Consulting (DAC) shows a partial parting of the clouds for auto industry employment, with trends showing an average uptick of 2.2 percent across all industry verticals in Q1 2023. Automotive parts and accessories stores led the way this quarter, recording 8.9 percent employment growth year-over-year, followed […]
Partners in Progress: IBC partners with Skills Ontario to support Indigenous initiatives
Toronto, Ontario — The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has officially come on board as a partner of Skills Ontario’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program, with plans to support the organization’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) initiatives. Skills Ontario regularly hosts information sessions aimed at attracting underrepresented populations, namely Black, Indigenous and new Canadian […]
All the Marbles: Skills Canada National Competition ongoing in Winnipeg
Winnipeg, Manitoba — The Skills Canada National Competition is officially underway in Winnipeg this week, gathering together the top performers from the Spring’s run of provincial competitions. This year’s event will pit more than 550 secondary and post-secondary trade students against each other in a series of competitions simulating real workplace challenges. Autobody repair students […]
Making Space: Ontario gov. invests $4.7 million into free training for techs transitioning to EV sector
Toronto, Ontario — With all Ontarian eyes fixated on huge investments into the province’s auto sector as of late, the Ford government announced Wednesday that a round of funding totalling more than $4.7 million is on the way to create the jobs to match industry growth. The announcement was made in London, Ont. alongside representatives […]
The Future is Bright: Skills Canada Ontario 2023 autobody and car painting winners announced
An auto collision competitor, working his craft at the Toronto Congress Centre. Photo by Bill Speed, Skills Canada Ontario Toronto, Ontario — The winners for Skills Canada Ontario 2023 have been released, with technical committee chair Bill Speed of Action Appraisals saying that this year’s competition featured some of the best setups and most skilled […]
Spending Surge: Alberta to invest $30M into trades and technology over next three years, 2023 budget says
Edmonton, Alberta – Alberta is planning to invest more than $30 million to support apprenticeships and learning opportunities in the skilled trades for the next three years, according to plans laid out in the province’s recently released 2023 budget. In an announcement at Edmonton’s Harry Ainlay High School, Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions Kaycee […]
Earned Return: MOST tax scheme returns $50,000 of taxed income to eligible Nova Scotian apprentices and journeypersons
Halifax, Nova Scotia — Are you a Nova Scotian under 30 who has paid your taxes this year and are working in the trades as an apprentice or a certified journeyperson? If so, you’re in luck as the province is returning up to $50,000 of income tax to people in this specific group. According to […]
Skills Summit: Skilled Trades Ontario to host first industry summit on apprenticeship training in May
Toronto, Ontario — The organization responsible for skilled trades training in Ontario is gearing up for its first ever industry summit on apprenticeship training, currently on the calendar for the first week of May. The province’s recently minted trades certification regulator, Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) plans on “Unleashing Ontario’s potential” at this upcoming gathering of […]
Acing the Course: Surrey technical institute receives $560,000 to support automotive technician, welder training
Surrey, British Columbia — The government of British Columbia announced Tuesday that it has opened up a new funding stream to support automotive technicians, and other tradespeople, in completing their education at the Ace Trades and Technical Institute (ATTI) in Surrey, B.C. The lower mainland trade school is set to receive more than $560,000 to […]
Help Wanted: Experts needed for Skilled Trades Ontario apprenticeship and exam standards development
Toronto, Ontario — Skilled Trades Ontario is inviting subject matter experts to participate in their standards development and examinations, along with the support of the Standards Industry Advisory Committees to review exam content, skills competencies and learning outcomes. Selected participants will go on to contribute their expertise through in-person or online workshops and online surveys. […]
