b'ENDING SKILLED TRADE STIGMAThe industry looks to change outdated and inaccurate connotations related to constructionBy Kelly ParkerManitoba hasnt seen the erosion ininvolved in the skilled trades themselves skilled trades that some other provincestend to want their children to go have due to Manitobas demographicto university. advantagethe Manitoban populationWeve also had a shift in the way the is younger than the national average,educational systemparticularly at and Manitoba has almost matchedthe secondary school levelpromotes retirements with new entries into thetrades and shops, Ferreira continues. industry. However, outdated stereotypesAs a result, many kids who have gone around skilled trades, and a widespreadthrough secondary school really have no lack of awareness about the sheerdirect exposure to the trades.number and variety of trades available, still remain a challenge.Darryl Harrison, Director of Stakeholder Bill Ferreira, Executive Director ofEngagement and Advocacy at WCA, BuildForce Canada, acknowledgesagrees. While stigma could play a that stigma is a factor, exacerbatedsmall part, I think people just dont by parental influence and decades ofactively think of the trades as an option government messaging. Since theunless its presented to them, he says. 1980s, governments and educatorsThere are careers in construction for have been promoting university as theeverybody, and the needs are incredibly pathway to a successful career anddiverse, so no matter what your skills or happiness, essentially, so those viewsinterests may be, theres something in are kind of ingrained in people of mythere for you. Its about trying to match generation, he explains, adding thatyour interests and skills to where they fitanecdotally, at leasteven parentsin the industry.24 BUILD MANITOBAwinnipegconstruction.ca'