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For Immediate Release

October 15, 2003

New Program Prepares Youth to Fill Shortage in Skilled Trades

Burlington, ON - The Centre for Skills Development & Training (The Centre) is proud to announce the launch of an exciting new career training opportunity for youth: The Enhanced General Carpentry - Skills Link Program.

This new program, which represents the most recent in a series of collaborative partnerships formed by The Centre with both government and industry, will provide 15 young men and women between the ages of 16 and 30 with the opportunity to train for rewarding careers in the construction industry.

With a start date of October 27, 2003, the program features 8 weeks skills enhancement, followed by 10 weeks of “hands-on, on-the-job experience” and 18 weeks paid work placement. The in-class portion of the program will take place at The Centre, while the on-the-job training and work placement portions will be provided through The Centre’s industry partners Monarch Homes, Sundial, Heathwood, Strone and Mattamy Homes. Tuition sponsorship and income support will be provided to qualified candidates by Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC), through a new federal Skills Link program.

“One of the main reasons Canada is facing such a significant shortage of skilled trades workers is that, for decades now, our youth have been taught to see the skilled trades as the career choice of last resort,” says Tom Logan, Manager, Trades and Technology at The Centre. “However, with the aging of our population base and the dwindling supply of skilled trades immigrants to Canada, it would not be unrealistic for a qualified and experienced skilled trades worker to earn a six figure income. This program, like others we offer at The Centre, represents an important first step for youth down that career path.”

The Centre for Skills Development & Training is a leading provider of quality career and workforce development programs, products and services specializing in Pre-Apprenticeship Trades and Technology, Career Planning and Development and Language Skills and Academic Upgrading.