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EdTech & Design

How can parents and teachers help K-12 students enter careers in the skilled trades?

Key tips to promote the skilled trades among youth

by: Dr. Alison Taylor

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Canada has been experiencing a shortage in skilled trades workers for several decades – from jobs like plumbers, auto mechanics, and construction workers, to hairstylists, estheticians, bakers, and many more. Historically, schools have favoured academic courses (i.e. learning concepts from textbooks) over vocational courses (i.e. hands-on training for specific jobs). For example, in the late 1800s in Ontario, working-class boys had to learn the rules of the factory and, by the late 1960s, vocational programs had gained a reputation as a dumping ground for low-achieving students. While high schools today are providing more opportunities for students to explore different career options, both schools and Canadian society still have a long way to go in moving away from seeing the skilled trades as “low status” jobs.

There are two main challenges with high school apprenticeship programs:

  1. Schools are often hesitant to tell employers how to train students, which can lead to varying quality of learning experiences. Some employers have been known to exploit students.
  2. On-the-job training isn’t usually well integrated with school curriculum, which can lead to perceptions that it’s less important and that vocational courses don’t belong in schools.

HERE ARE KEY TIPS TO PROMOTE THE SKILLED TRADES AMONG YOUTH:

Tips for teachers and schools
  • Provide opportunities for students in different grades to explore a variety of education and work options.
  • Implement employment equity principles (e.g. respect for diversity and inclusion) in vocational programs to ensure all youth are encouraged to explore the skilled trades.
  • Ensure your students know their rights at work (e.g. workplace hazards, health and safety, fair treatment).
  • Build partnerships that are beneficial for both schools and employers to ensure high quality placements (e.g. employers lead classroom lessons alongside teachers; teachers go into worksites to see how curriculum is applied on the job).
Tips for parents
  • Reflect on whether you hold any stereotypes about what you consider “high status” and “low status” jobs, and what are “gender appropriate” jobs. Remember that a “good job” is one where your child feels valued and challenged.
  • Be an advocate for your child – there is often less support in schools for pursuing careers in the skilled trades versus going to university.
  • Learn more about what’s required to enter different skilled trades and the diversity of careers that are available.

A rich and meaningful vocational education requires parents and teachers to help students see how school and work are complementary, and that “good jobs” take a variety of forms. One way of closing the gap between academic courses and vocational courses is by having all students participate in hands-on learning opportunities, including community service projects that can have real impact. Teachers, school administrators, employers, and community organizations all have important roles to play in encouraging students to learn “about” and “through” work, rather than simply “for” work.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RESOURCES

Most provinces have high school apprenticeship programs, so check Ministry of Education websites. Below are some websites in Alberta and Ontario.

ALBERTA

The Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)

Careers the Next Generation

Careers is a charitable, industry sponsored organization that works with schools to connect students to employers in apprenticeship and other occupations.

Aspen Foundation

The Aspen Foundation for Labour Education is dedicated to providing citizens with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that empower them to contribute fully to a healthy, just, and democratic workplace, ​ community, and society through participation in labour and social justice initiatives.

ONTARIO

The Ontario High School Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

Dual Credit Programs

Dual credit is where students participate in apprenticeship training and postsecondary courses, earning credits that count towards both their high school diploma and their postsecondary diploma, degree or apprenticeship certification.

 

 

   

Akkerman, S. and Bakker, A. (2011) Boundary crossing and boundary objects. Journal of Educational Research, 81(2): 132-169.

CBC. (2019, May 15). Skilled trades workers wooing youth as shortage looms. Accessible from:  https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/skilled-trade-exhibit-targets-youth-1.5135521

Hager, P. and Hyland, T. (2003). Vocational education and training. Education: Book Chapters. Paper 5. Retrieved December 2014. Accessible from: http://digitalcommons.bolton.ac.uk/ed_chapters/5

Hunter, J. (2013, October 27). B.C. eyes boosting trades in curriculum overhaul. Globe and Mail. Accessed online December 2014. Accessible from:

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/bc-eyes-boosting-trades-in-curriculum-overhaul/article15108656/

Lazerson, M. & Dunn, T. (1977). Schools and the work crisis: Vocationalism in Canadian education. In H. Stevenson & D. Wilson (Eds.), Precepts, policy and process: Perspectives on contemporary Canadian education. (pp. 285-303) London: Alexander Blake Associates.

Taylor, A.  (2016). Vocational education in Canada. Toronto, Oxford.

Young, M. (1998) The curriculum of the future: from the “new sociology of education” to a critical theory of learning. London: Falmer.

WITH THE GENEROUS FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF: 
          

Meet the Expert(s)

Dr. Alison Taylor

Professor, Faculty of Education, The University of British Columbia

Alison Taylor is a Professor in Educational Studies at the University of British Columbia. Her research has focused on experiential education and student transitions from school to work.

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