Skills Work!® in Partnership - OCAS

In his report, People Without Jobs, Jobs Without People: Ontario's Labour Market Future, Dr. Rick Miner predicts that Ontario's economy will be increasingly driven by knowledge- and skill-based jobs.  There is a shortage of skilled trades people and that shortage is likely to increase and construction workers age and retire.  Occupations will need to adapt to new emerging technologies.

These trends will drastically increase the need for workers with education or certification beyond the high school level. Colleges play a vital role in training our workforce and delivering people with employable skills.

There are thousands of post-secondary programs offered across the province from which to choose, including skilled trades and apprenticeship-related programs.  Information about these options needs to be readily available to help individuals make informed decisions about their future.

Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) is proud to partner with Skills Canada – Ontario to support its dedication to promoting careers in the skilled trades and technologies as a first-choice, viable career option for youth in Ontario. Our shared belief in the importance of promoting skilled trade careers to youth helps address the workforce shortages ahead.

OCAS produces publications highlighting these program choices, at which college they are offered, as well as the benefits of a college education. Through our partnership with Skills Canada – Ontario, these materials are distributed via the “Skills Work!® What’s Out There?” program.

In addition to our support of the “Skills Work!® What’s Out There?” program, OCAS sponsors and has a number of partnership initiatives with Skills Canada – Ontario including the Skills Canada Competitions, Skills at the Park and Cardboard Boat Races.  We are pleased for the opportunity to assist Skills Canada – Ontario in highlighting the importance and value of skilled workers. We look forward to these and other initiatives our partnership will bring.