Midhurst/May 26, 2017 – Approximately 2,500 Grade 7, 8 and 12 students from around Simcoe County were introduced to more than 40 skilled trades during the Simcoe Muskoka Skilled Trades Expo held on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at the Elmvale Community Centre. In addition to the student session that occurred throughout the day, the evening session was open to the public and was attended by more than 200 residents.
The Simcoe Muskoka Skilled Trades Expo, a partnership between the County of Simcoe, Simcoe County District School Board, Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, Simcoe Muskoka Workforce Development Board, Georgian College, City of Barrie, City of Orillia, Springwater Township, and the Flos Agricultural Society, provided students with the opportunity to participate in hands-on demonstrations and interactive displays relating to dozens of skilled trades available in Simcoe County.
"As we start to roll out made in Simcoe County initiatives that support the local labour market, addressing shortages in the skilled trades continues to be one of our top priorities," said Warden Gerry Marshall. "These are the jobs of the future and it's important that we continue to promote this important sector to our youth. Thanks to all our partners, businesses, entrepreneurs, students and residents for making the event such a huge success."
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a school to work program that opens the door for students to learn about the trades through co-operative education. Students have the opportunity to become registered apprentices and work towards their journeyperson certification while at the same time completing their secondary school diploma. 150 students transitioned from high school into full-time paid apprentices last year in Simcoe County through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
There are more than 150 recognized trades in Ontario, ranging from agricultural equipment and motorcycle technicians, tool and die makers, and heavy equipment operators to bakers, hairstylists, and educational assistants.
The 2016 Expo received national and provincial awards from both the Economic Developers Association of Canada and the Economic Developers Council of Ontario.
The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.
-30-
Contacts:
Allan Greenwood
Director, Corporate Communications
705-726-9300 ext. 1230
705-794-9301 (mobile)
Allan.Greenwood@simcoe.ca
Collin Matanowitsch
Communications Co-ordinator
705-726-9300 ext. 1430
705-734-8386 (mobile)
Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca