- What cultural value work against choice of skilled trade as an occupation by young canadians? what would work in the favour
- beside parents who are the other major influencer in teenagers decision to choice an occupation
- Do you agree with the approach adopt by skills canada ontario? why or why not . what would you differently
- what attitude change stratagy would you suggest to change the attitude of young canadians and their parents toward the trade as occupation.
- with respect to adoption,which consumer classification for eg innovators, early adopters, early majority, late majority laggards. will be the most difficult to convince that the trades are lucrative career for young canadians.
Ilaues Case Would you like an occupation that would give you a six-figure salary? One that does not involve an expensive college or university education that would leave you with a huge loan? Well, perhaps you should have considered a skilled trade rather than a community college or university education. Most industry and government studies find that Canada is facing a shortage of skilled workers, and this shortage is only going to increase with time as the aging trade workers start retiring. For example, the Government of Ontario has identified 12 trades where a shortage of workers exists currently - trades such as refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics, construction boilermakers, and general carpenters. Other trades such as heavy manufacturing, oil and gas, and construction have had shortages for some time. This shortage can have a significant impact on all Canadians; not having enough plumbers to fix a leaking pipe or carpenters to build homes can make it difficult and expensive for everyone. Moreover, this can also lead to Canadian firms losing out to foreign competitors with a better pool of skilled workers. What is surprising is that this is happening at a time when university and community college graduates are having a hard time finding suitable jobs. Given the advantages that an education in trades can offer, one would expect young Canadians to opt for the trades in greater number. Consider the following: . The hourly starting wages for students or apprentices in the trades range from $15 to $25; so you can not only complete the training without a student loan, but can probably have some savings before you complete your training. . Experienced tradespeople (e.g., electricians, toolmakers) make around $35 an hour or up to $72,000 if they are employed full time. . An apprentice program, which takes three to four years to complete, offers the trainee the chance to earn good wages for 44 to 46 weeks a year; this has to be followed by 6 to 8 weeks of classroom education. . Trades offer people the chance to work with their hands and produce something tangible - that can be a rewarding experience. . Trades also offer people the opportunity to become their own bosses since it is easy for them to set up their own businesses. . The predicted vacancy rates in most trades is significant, for example, the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association predicts a 42 percent vacancy rate in skilled trades by 2025. Why then, are Canadians reluctant to enter the trades? Studies reveal that most high school students plan to go to a university or community college rather than a trade school. In fact, a survey by Human Resources Development Canada showed that only 6 percent of high school students were planning to attend a trade school, and 44 percent would not consider a job in the skilled trades. There are several reasons for the low enrollment in trade schools.Why then, are Canadians reluctant to enter the trades? Studies reveal that most high school students plan to go to a university or community college rather than a trade school. In fact, a survey by Human Resources Development Canada showed that only 6 percent of high school students were planning to attend a trade school, and 44 percent would not consider a job in the skilled trades. There are several reasons for the low enrollment in trade schools. Statistics Canada found that high school students consider skilled trades to be "usually high paying" (58 percent agreed with the statement), to be able to "provide long-term secure jobs" (56 percent agreed), and to provide "excellent benefits" (51 percent agreed), but to be "not exciting jobs" (23 percent agreed), and to "require manual labour" (61 percent agreed). Other factors also seem to play a part in reducing the attractiveness of a trade school education or apprenticeship. . High schools have been emphasizing academic programs more; this has led to students having less exposure to trades. In 1966, about 20 percent of the credits obtained by a typical Ontario high school graduate were in technical subjects; by 1990, this had dropped to 5 percent and it is even lower now. . Each province has its own apprenticeship system, standards, and certifications, making a unified appeal difficult; this also makes it more difficult for trade school graduates to move across Canada. . In the case of apprentice programs, students have to make a four-year commitment at an age when they are not ready to do so. . Completion rates in apprenticeship programs are very low. For example, although there were more than 200,000 people registered in apprenticeship programs in 2019, only 18,260 received completion certificates. And the completion rates in some apprenticeship programs (e.g., construction) have been falling since 2005. However, some researchers feel that the real reason the trades do not attract young Canadians has to do with their image. An economist with the Conference Board of Canada said, "We're going to need a seismic cultural and value shift within society. . There is a bias against this type of education. especially in parent's minds." Mr. Williams, chair of the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board in Alberta, agrees: "The trades have suffered something of an image problem for many, many years... Parents are something of a stumbling block. Most want their children to go to university." Guidance counsellors also feel that many parents view trades as being inferior and less prestigious than white collar or professional occupations. This might be partly the result of better marketing efforts by universities, but it is probably reflective of the value our culture puts on different occupations. Whereas parents in some European countries may feel it is something to celebrate when their teenaged son or daughter decides to embark on a trade-school education, most middle or upper class Canadian parents would be a little disappointed to hear the same. This view is reinforced by teachers and guidance counsellors who imply that non-academic courses are meant for students who aren't "bright."However, some researchers feel that the real reason the trades do not attract young Canadians has to do with their image. An economist with the Conference Board of Canada said, "We're going to need a seismic cultural and value shift within society... There is a bias against this type of education, especially in parent's minds." Mr. Williams, chair of the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board in Alberta, agrees: "The trades have suffered something of an image problem for many, many years... Parents are something of a stumbling block. Most want their children to go to university." Guidance counsellors also feel that many parents view trades as being inferior and less prestigious than white collar or professional occupations. This might be partly the result of better marketing efforts by universities, but it is probably reflective of the value our culture puts on different occupations. Whereas parents in some European countries may feel it is something to celebrate when their teenaged son or daughter decides to embark on a trade-school education, most middle or upper class Canadian parents would be a little disappointed to hear the same. This view is reinforced by teachers and guidance counsellors who imply that non-academic courses are meant for students who aren't "bright." Skills Canada Ontario, a non-profit organization involved in getting more Canadian youth to choose skilled trades, has tried to combat the negative image of the trades by running ads that featured young trades people driving luxury cars. The campaign was aired first in the Kitchener-Waterloo area and aimed to show that the trades are "cool" by showing good-looking young people who chose skilled trades as being successful
