More and more students are trying out the skilled trades, in an effort to decide what they would like to do in the future.
Moncton High is just one school in the province that offers programs targeting different trades.
Rick Beck is a Teacher in the Vocational Department at the school. He says they have an automotive shop, licensed technicians and new welding shop, and also several other types of skilled trades programs, and he encourages students to take advantage of the programs offered, “We need these skilled trades people, and the information we’ve been given is that there is going to be a shortage of skilled trades people.
Beck says the students in these courses are still predominantly men, but there are more womensigning up, than in the past.
He says, they’d like to see more students outside of the stereotype enrol in classes, “Many still seem to have this mentality that, if you’re not academically inclined, then maybe you’re good with your hands, but in skilled trades you need to be good with your hands and your heads. You need to be smart, especially with the new technology coming on.”
Hundreds of students from across the country will be at the Moncton Coliseum early next week to take part in the Skills Canada National Competition, and will be showing off their talents in 45 different skilled trades including, carpentry, welding and cooking.
Can’t wait for the @Skills_Canada National Competition in #Moncton; promoting #SkilledTrades!#SCNC2016 #OCMT2016 pic.twitter.com/NVaPvdLwuy
— ICONIC CNC (@ICONICCNC) June 1, 2016
