Toronto, ON – October 26, 2021 – The BOLT Foundation has launched a new educational video series called Careers in Construction to better inform and inspire youth to pursue the most in-demand professions in the industry.
Sponsored by BMO, RESCON, Tridel, and the Ontario Government, the five-part series has already released two videos profiling more than 10 different careers in the residential sub-sector, with three other videos to be released before the end of the year:
- Drywall and Painting Trades
- Finishing Trades
- Forming Trades
- Building Systems Trades
- Site Management
“Stereotypes about the industry and lack of information on the career options and how to get started are main reasons why not enough young people are self-selecting into these in-demand and well-compensated careers. Creating the videos is also a way to shine a light on lesser-known professions in the industry and spark an interest to learn more and consider them as careers. This series is different from other great promotional videos like Job Talks because they take a more technical view of what each professional actually does and the critical role they play in the overall building process. Whether you’re just curious about how a building comes together or interested in a career in construction, these videos are an excellent resource,” says Raly Chakarova, Executive Director of BOLT.
The Careers in Construction webpage also contains additional information on starting salary and earning potential, relevant college programs and skilled training, as well as associated unions. The series are developed as a resource for both students and youth and the influencers in their lives, including parents, teachers, guidance counsellors and youth case workers.
“Research shows that youth with access to good career information make better career decisions. It also shows that youth exposed to construction careers are more likely to pick a career in construction. These videos utilize that leading research and make information on construction careers accessible to Ontario’s youth. They are a critical resource for our educational partners and will help address our labour shortage,” says Andrew Pariser, VP at the Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON).
Over the next 10 years, Ontario will need to hire, train, and retain more than 115,000 construction workers, 55% of whom will be in new housing, renovation, and maintenance, according to the latest BuildForce report. The average starting salary in construction is between $22 and $24 per hour, which is closer in line with Toronto’s living wage of $22.08 per hour.
“Statistics show that there are challenges with youth unemployment and the community needs more tradespeople to keep the housing supply growing. Young people will see from this campaign that there is more out there for them than just minimum wage jobs as they start their careers. I couldn’t be happier to be a part of something that helps to direct and launch people into rewarding and meaningful careers,” says Bill Hawryschuk, Professor at the Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies at George Brown College who was commissioned to film and narrate the series.
The BOLT Foundation also offers immersive career exploration programs – Day of Discovery and Job Shadowing – to under-resourced youth in the GTA.
For any media inquiries, please email bolt@tridel.com.
