Skilled Trades No Longer Just For Other People's Kids

---

Members of a discussion panel encouraged Nova Scotia parents to consider skilled trades as career options for their kids during a trades forum in Halifax today, Feb. 1.

The panel focussed on changing the perceptions among some parents, that skilled trades are not good career choices for youth. The Department of Education hosted the panel as part of the Nova Scotia School Boards Association's Atlantic conference.

"Many parents still believe a university education is the best way to ensure their children will enjoy a satisfying, well paid career," said Education Minister Karen Casey. "The truth is, university is only one of many options available to youth considering career and educational options in this province. These days, an apprenticeship in the skilled trades is among the best of those options, and we need to make sure parents are aware of that."

Panel participants included a cardiologist, a parent, a female electrician, a youth apprentice and his mentor, a guidance counsellor and a school board member. Each participant provided unique experiences and opinions about a career in the skilled trades.

Dr. Martin Gardner, a heart specialist at the QEII Health Centre, said his son's decision to enter the skilled trades was met with a mixture of delight and fear.

"When my son first told me he wanted to go into cooking, I thought he had found a profession that he loved and would obtain advanced training in," said Dr. Gardner. "Initially, I thought he may be in for some financial struggles and job instability, but as he finishes his training, I see many opportunities for him to advance in his career with a satisfying job that pays well.

"While I prefer to hold a stethoscope in my hands, he prefers to hold a spatula and that is fine with me."

Unlike Dr. Gardner, many parents are still reluctant to endorse the trades as a viable career option for their kids, even though economic forecasts predict a job demand in the sector over the coming decade.

"With thousands of positions opening up in the skilled trades over the next few years, more and more young people are recognizing that a career in the trades is something worth exploring," said Elliott Payzant, president of the Nova Scotia School Boards Association. "We need to ensure they have the information and the opportunities to explore the trades, so that, in consultation with their parents and educators, they can make an informed choice for their future."

Although some parents do not recognize the opportunities associated with a trades-based education, many youth in Nova Scotia are jumping on the skilled trades bandwagon.

In 2007-08, the Nova Scotia Community College saw student enrollment increase 6.1 per cent. Its skilled trades and technology courses are among the most popular, and increased by 237 new students.

"Even though I easily could have gone to university, I chose a career in the skilled trades because I enjoy construction and I know it will be easy to find a job when I am done my apprenticeship," said William Warton, a youth panel participant who is exploring career options.

"Some of my friends are going to university to make their parents proud, even though they are not quite sure what they will actually do when they get out. When I am building my first home with my own two hands, I think my parents will be proud."

---

FOR BROADCAST USE:

     Members of a discussion panel encouraged Nova Scotia parents

to consider skilled trades as career options for their kids

during a trades forum in Halifax today (February 1st).

     The Department of Education is hosting a panel discussion

focussed on changing parent's perceptions that skilled trades are

not good career choices for youth.

     The panel is part of the Nova Scotia School Boards

Association's Atlantic conference being held in Halifax.

     Education Minister Karen Casey says we need to educate

parents about the great opportunities that exist in the trades to

ensure students are aware of all the valuable career and

educational options available to them.

     Panel participants included a cardiologist, a parent, a

female electrician, a youth apprentice and his mentor, a guidance

counsellor and a school board member. Each participant provided

unique experiences and opinions about a career in the skilled

trades.

-30-

Media Contact: Chrissy White
              Department of Education
              902-424-0011
              Cell:902-430-5063
              E-mail:whitecl@gov.ns.ca