As shortages in skilled trades loom across various industries, Try-A-Trade in Lloydminster is giving young people a chance to discover a future career.
Read more: Try-A-Trade works as advertised
This year, demand for the event is higher than ever.
“This year, we have a higher number of students registered from across the area and we’ve had a few extra exhibitors join us this year,” said Dorothy Carson, executive director of the Lloydminster Construction Association and lead organizer of Try-A-Trade.
The event has over 1,700 students registered, which Carson says is an increase over previous years.
Students from around Lloydminster and beyond came into the city to try the various trades set up. Carson says it’s important for kids to try the various trades and perhaps find something they enjoy doing.
“We are focusing on providing the students with the information regarding what trades are available and how to get into the trades,” she said.
Safety has also been a key focus this year.
“We’re also promoting safety in the trades to make sure they’re working safely,” said Carson.
When it comes to how to address the shortage of skilled trades workers, it’s not just recruitment.
“I think it’s recruitment but it’s also promotion, let the kids know there are a lot of trades. There’s 51 trades they can look into and maybe they can find something they like doing,” she said.
The shortage isn’t just focused on one trade, it’s affecting all of them.
Try-A-Trade offered a variety of booths set up for people to test out the various activities. From electrical to welding, there were machines and people around to walk those attending through guided displays.
VR booths gave people a chance to try the select trade in a virtual setting.
The work is ongoing, however, not just at the event to build interest in trades.
“We work with the school divisions, we’re working with the school divisions on an honour the work program, we’re basically getting the trades in Grades 1 to 6, into the curriculum,” said Carson. “We also work with Careers Next Generations.”
She had some final words for people looking to get into a trade.
“They can start by talking to an employer, find out a little bit more about the trade,” said Carson.
Read more: Try-A-Trade primes youth for careers
