PRESS RELEASE: EXCITING NEW APPRENTICESHIP INITIATIVE LAUNCHED How will Durham Region address the serious shortage of skilled trades professionals needed to keep our area strong and growing economically? A consortium of government and community partners is excited to announce the launch of a new initiative: "Skilled Trades in Durham: Collaborative Action to Meet Market Demand". Why is such an initiative vital to our area? Ontario is an undisputed world leader in manufacturing, which contributes largely to our region's economic well being. However, the government is predicting a shortage of ONE MILLION SKILLED WORKERS BY 2020, with serious shortfalls well before that. Thousands of skilled professionals, both men and women, will be needed in such fields as industry, construction, the service sector and automotive trades. With the predicted need, those entering such fields will be sought after, well paid and will have the chance to continually advance their skills and opportunities. Management will also be needed, as will private enterprise. Why has the acute need arisen? Kevin McLellan, Project Leader, says, "The lack is due in part to baby boomers retiring and fewer young people entering the skilled trades." Regarding past stereotypical thinking, he adds, "There has perhaps been a perception that those entering skilled trades are somehow academically inferior. However, in other countries, only those with superior education in the area of math and sciences are allowed to go on to apprenticeships in skilled trades." Located in the heart of apprenticeship training in Durham Region, Durham College's Skills Training Centre in Whitby, the initiative will provide a single point of access in Durham Region for information and referral to skilled trades and apprenticeship programs, services and resources. However, many more critical objectives have been undertaken. A regional awareness campaign to encourage youth to enter skilled trades will be set in motion. Current labour market information will be gathered to assist the community to implement positive action to meet the demand on an ongoing basis. The initiative will also seek to increase the number of local employers and trainers involved in apprenticeship training, which will in turn increase the number of local apprentices. Special emphasis will be placed on the development of a website and on innovative means to reach out to the community. Parents, teachers, guidance counsellors, resource center counsellors, young men and women and industry employers and trainers will have access to information, education and the necessary resources to learn of the many benefits to those entering skilled trades and their employers. It is particularly important for young people to realize the viable career options available in the skilled trades. A small but dynamic project team has been assembled to meet the challenges head-on. Kevin McLellan, Project Leader, brings years of proven experience in project management and marketing to the initiative. Charmaine Semple, Project Officer, and Susan Gillett, Administrative Assistant, both bring varied talents and experience necessary to the success of this collaborative project. Funded by Human Resources Development Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, the project is ably overseen by the Durham Region Local Training Board and will work hand-in-hand with local service providers. The Board is proud to be working with the following community partners on this initiative: Durham Catholic School Board, Durham Chapter - Landscape Ontario, Durham College, Durham District School Board, Durham Region Labour Council and Durham Skilled Trades Local Industry Committees. The Board itself is composed of community leaders and business and industry representatives who have shown a selfless spirit in contributing to the current and future needs of the community regarding employment and training. The initiative is truly an exciting collaboration for the benefit of Durham Region. Public Relations Contact: Kevin McLellan Telephone: 905-723-8034 kevin@tradeability.ca 
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