Students from across Huron and Perth Counties gathered at the Stratford Rotary Complex on April 15 and 16, 2026, to explore potential careers through the annual Skilled Trades Pathways Experience. Hosted by the Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board, the event provided Grade 7, 8, and 10 students with hands-on demonstrations in construction, manufacturing, and transportation.
The event is designed to introduce young people to the skilled trades at a time when the region is facing a significant shortage of workers. With over 2,600 job vacancies in Huron County, local manufacturers are actively seeking workers for roles such as electricians and welders. The regional unemployment rate currently sits at 4.9 percent.
A highlight of the two-day event was the Women in Skilled Trades evening session held on April 15. This segment allowed young women and their families to connect directly with female industry mentors, offering a space to learn about career paths and apprenticeships. The interest in such programs is growing, as evidenced by the nearby Avon Maitland District School Board, which previously reported a record 47 students registering as apprentices in a school year, including 11 young women.
The initiative aligns with broader provincial efforts to fill a projected need for 400,000 new skilled tradespeople in Ontario over the next decade. As students look toward their futures, programs like the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program continue to provide pathways for those interested in starting their training early. By providing these interactive experiences, local school boards aim to better prepare the next generation of workers for the high demand in the local economy.
