ONTARIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IDENTIFIES
KEY STEPS TO ADDRESSING SKILLED TRADES SHORTAGE

TORONTO - Solutions to Ontario's skills shortage may lay just beyond our borders in other jurisdictions that have tackled similar problems. That according to a new report released by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

"Retooling for a Prosperous Ontario, A Global Perspective on Skilled Trades" identifies best practices from other jurisdictions in Canada and around the world that have dealt with a shortage in skilled trades.

"With an estimated shortage of 100,000 workers in the manufacturing sector alone in the next 15 years," says Len Crispino, President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, "it is crucial that we aggressively tackle the skills shortage and what better way to quickly address the issue, than to learn from others' success."

Several consistent themes have emerged in other jurisdictions, according to the report. Successful practices include: a strategic marketing campaign in order to "re-brand" the image of skilled trades; a skills strategy that reduces red tape and creates a "one stop shop" for apprenticeship services; and the elimination of barriers for internationally-trained skilled trades workers.

"North Perth is not immune from the skills shortage," adds Nicole Johnston, "Shortages in all sectors including construction, healthcare, auto mechanics and tool and die makers are affecting our ability to grow our local economy and must be addressed as soon as possible."

This is the second report published by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on Skilled Trades. The first, titled "Taking Action on Skilled Trades: Establishing the Business Case for Investing in Apprenticeship", was published in September, 2005 and provided 21 recommendations to address the skills shortage.

An announcement today by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities is consistent with a key recommendation made in both skills reports by the Ontario Chamber. "Ontario has made progress with the announcement of Employment Ontario, an integrated gateway to training and employment services," says Crispino, "however there is still much work to be done."

Copies of the two Skilled Trades Reports can be found at www.occ.on.ca.

The OCC represents over 57,000 businesses through 160 local Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade, and has been Ontario's business advocate since 1911. Its advocacy and policy initiatives focus on six areas key to the economic well-being of the province: health; education; energy; finance & taxation; transportation & infrastructure; and border issues.

North Perth Chamber of Commerce
P: (519) 291-1551
F: (519) 291-4151

Amy Terrill
Director Media Relations and Communications
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
W: (416) 482-5222, ext. 241
C: (416) 605-8205