Ontario Skilled Trades: Equipping the Next Generation

Skilled trades are the backbone of Ontario’s economy, yet the province faces a critical shortage of skilled workers. This shortage isn’t just a workforce issue—it’s a challenge that impacts educators, parents, and workforce development leaders alike. Together, we can inspire and equip the next generation of tradespeople to thrive in these rewarding careers.

Understanding the Skilled Trades Shortage in Ontario

Ontario is experiencing a significant skilled trades shortage, with thousands of jobs unfilled in industries such as construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and more. According to recent studies, as many as one in five skilled trades positions remain vacant due to a lack of qualified candidates. The shortage is expected to grow as experienced tradespeople retire, leaving a critical gap in essential industries.

This isn’t just a numbers problem, it’s a societal issue. Students often lack awareness of skilled trades opportunities, and there is a need for more engaging approaches that highlight these careers while supporting diverse learning styles in classrooms. These challenges emphasize the need for innovative solutions, like Edge Factor, that make skilled trades careers accessible and exciting for students through engaging storytelling and interactive career exploration tools.

Everyone Has a Role to Play in Bridging the Skills Gap

Addressing the skilled trades shortage requires a collaborative effort:

• Educators play a pivotal role in sparking students' interest in trades through engaging lessons, hands-on activities, and exposure to real-world careers.
  
• Parents influence career decisions by encouraging their children to explore trades and understand the benefits of apprenticeships and certifications.
• Workforce Development Leaders can bridge the gap by creating pathways from education to employment, fostering partnerships between schools, businesses, and training providers.

Tools to Inspire the Next Generation of Tradespeople

Edge Factor equips Ontario educators, students, and job seekers with the largest known library of career multimedia. Our platform offers story-driven, age-appropriate content, interactive activities, and digital badges designed for use in classrooms, events, homes, and on the go. With 5000+ tools in 21 languages, we empower millions of K-12+ students and educators across Canada to explore, prepare, and connect on their career journey. 

With the support of the Skills Development Fund, Edge Factor is excited to continue to make resources available at no cost for everyone in Ontario through the Ontario Skilled Trades Toolkit, designed to empower educators and inspire students.

Get the toolkit and start inspiring your students today with: 

• Digital Badges & Prizes

Students earn badges for completing activities and are entered into monthly prize draws to stay motivated. These incentives encourage students to explore trades and develop essential skills.

• Free Classroom Posters

Printable posters featuring QR codes make it easy for students to access monthly badge challenges, creating a visually engaging way to spark interest in skilled trades careers. You can download the posters today or request a shipped bundle. The first 25 requests will receive free shipping!

• Story-Driven Media

Edge Factor’s library includes over 300 stories from Ontario tradespeople, showcasing apprenticeships, internships, and postsecondary pathways. These resources align with age-appropriate learning outcomes and build teamwork and problem-solving skills while inspiring students to consider careers in trades.

Showcasing Stories Across Ontario’s Industries

Edge Factor partners with hundreds of companies across Ontario to share their stories from behind the lens. Edge Factor’s multimedia content goes beyond general career exploration—it dives deep into specific industries to bring trades to life for students. By sharing real stories, Edge Factor creates a meaningful connection between students and the workforce as they explore: 

• Long-Term Care Careers: Highlighting the compassion and technical skills needed for careers in healthcare, Edge Factor showcases the vital roles that tradespeople play in supporting Ontario’s aging population.

• Mining: Ontario’s rich mining heritage is brought to life through stories of tradespeople who work to extract resources while ensuring sustainability and safety in this essential industry.

• Manufacturing: Through the Made in Ontario series, Edge Factor explores the innovative world of manufacturing, featuring local companies that design and produce goods, as well as the tradespeople who keep these operations running.

• Apprenticeships: Edge Factor emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning and mentorship through apprenticeships, sharing success stories from individuals who’ve built rewarding careers in skilled trades.

Equip Students with the Ontario Skilled Trades Toolkit

Are you ready to inspire your students to explore Ontario’s skilled trades? Access the Ontario Skilled Trades Toolkit today to unlock powerful tools for career exploration:

• Share badge activities with your students to incentivize their learning.
  
• Use monthly prize draws to keep them motivated.
• Print posters for your classroom, school hallways, and cafeterias to get students excited about exploring industries and careers across Ontario.
  

Together, we can help the next generation discover their potential and build future-ready skills. Get started with the Ontario Skilled Trades Toolkit today!

Learn more about Edge Factor 

If you are interested in learning more about what an Edge Factor membership can unlock, create your free account or book a demo. 

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