The Ontario, Canada, Conestoga College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning, in partnership with Skills Ontario, has launched a week-long skilled trades camp in Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
Taking place August 12–16, the camp introduces youth entering Grades 7–9 to careers in the skilled trades, including welding, truck and coach, automotive service, and heavy-duty equipment. Through hands-on activities and learning, participants will develop communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills while gaining valuable experience in in-demand jobs.
“We are in the midst of a labor shortage in the skilled trades industries, and it is integral that we create pathways to introduce youth to the exciting opportunities that these professions can offer,” said Nadine McPhee, the Women’s Initiatives Liaison Officer for Engineering, Technology & Trades and Apprenticeship at Conestoga College. “It will provide campers with firsthand experience and a deeper understanding of these critical fields, helping to inspire and prepare the next generation of skilled professionals.”
According to Employment and Social Development Canada, approximately 700,000 of the four million Canadians who work in the trades are set to retire by 2030. This will leave a significant gap in the workforce, impacting various industries and potentially stalling economic growth. By engaging campers early and providing them with hands-on experience, Skills Ontario and Conestoga hope to address this impending shortage.
“Participating in this camp is more than just learning about skilled trades; it’s about opening doors to future opportunities and inspiring the next generation of our Ontario’s workforce,” commented Kayla Bezaire, Skills Ontario Summer Camp program manager.
Dave Beaton’s son Zander attended the camp that was held at Conestoga’s Cambridge campus in July. Zander was highly engaged in the Skills Canada competition during the school year and was eager to continue building on his experience by learning more hands-on skills that would be beneficial in his day-to-day life.
“The camp provided real-life experience, real skill building, and a real boost to self-esteem,” said Dave Beaton. “Zander loves books but also loves using his hands. The camp opened his eyes to some different possibilities, and he was really proud of the projects he completed each day.”
Camp workshops are taught by college faculty and technologists who are skilled trade professionals in their field. Conestoga will once again serve as the host institution, providing state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, and resources to support the camp’s curriculum and activities.
Launched in 2011, the summer camp program includes 28 camps throughout the Province of Ontario, including Brampton, Toronto, Sudbury, Brantford, Thunder Bay, Kingston, Cambridge, Bracebridge, Ottawa, Windsor, and more.
Conestoga College was established in Kitchener, Ontario, in 1967. Since then, the college has expanded significantly to deliver in-demand career and skills training to more than 45,000 students in eight communities and their surrounding areas in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Brantford, Milton, Stratford, and Ingersoll.
The Guelph camp takes place at 460 Speedvale Avenue West for $267.29 per camper.
For more information, visit www.skillsontario.com/camp.