Strengthening Pathways to the Skilled Trades for Women, Youth and Newcomers

Date/Time
Date(s) - 11 Mar 2022
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Location
Webinar

Category(ies)


This webinar highlighted the employment opportunities offered by the skilled trades and tools for facilitating success for women, newcomers and youth. 

The Ontario Government introduced major changes to the Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship training system in 2021.  The new Ontario Skilled Trades Strategy and next steps for implementation were summarized by Lisa Bifano and Michael Spagnolo from the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. Lisa is Team Lead and Michael a Senior Policy Advisor in the Policy Unit, Apprenticeship Branch of the Workforce Policy and Innovation Division of the Ministry.

Their presentation is available at Ontario Skilled Trades Strategy

Colleen Dignam, Workforce Development Management Consultant, City of Toronto Employment and Social Services  moderated a panel discussion that explored the first-hand experiences of people working in the skilled trades and insights and best practices being used by employers and organizations to overcome barriers and facilitate the success of especially women, youth and newcomers. 

Panel Members:

  1. Shannon Watson – Foreman Plumber;
  2. Jennifer Green – Director of Competitions, Skills Ontario;
  3. Merissa Preston – Manager, Partnership and Business Development, LiUNA Local 506 Training Centre;
  4. Sally Harvey – Director of Education and Workforce Development, Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association; and
  5. Jane Wilson – Director, Capacity Building and Resource Development, Toronto Community Benefits Network

There also was a  Q&A session where panel members addressed questions asked by audience members. 

The webcast was recorded and can be downloaded here.

ICE Committee