County council has backed a request from director of economic development and tourism, Scott Ovell, to enter into partnership with the Haliburton County Homebuilders Association (HCHBA), which is working with Haliburton Highlands Secondary School to boost the trades.
Ovell said that last May, the County and HCHBA hosted their first skilled trades bus tour. They took 30 students to five different locations, highlighting skilled trades job opportunities. They went to Sunbelt Rentals, Holden Truss, a construction site at 75 per cent completion, a finished timber frame home, and a large landscaping site.
“At each site, the employers were provided an opportunity to address the students and discuss the employment options within their sector and the stability of the jobs,” Ovell said. “The program was well received and will be run again in the spring of 2024.”
HCHBA members have also been going to tech, math and science classrooms at the high school. But Ovell said it was noted the association was donating not only time but about $3,000 in materials as well. So, the partners came up with the idea for the County to provide financial support to the HCHBA, to allow them to purchase additional materials, tools, and safety equipment, to enhance the school-based program.
The economic director said the program is covering the fundamentals of framing and drywall installation, and providing an introduction to electrical work.
The County, during its March 27 meeting, committed to the nearly $8,000 in costs.
Coun. Cec Ryall commented, “that’s exciting… university is a great option, but trades are what we need the most.”
Coun. Murray Fearrey added, “in my day, that was called shop, everybody took the course, that was a long time ago. It’s the right thing to do… we need to do more of this sort of thing.”
Ovell said if successful, the partners will look to continue this year, and potentially expand the program in 2025.
HCHBA president Kevin Hodgkinson said the County “stepping up to the plate like they did is huge.” He said it’s important to get more tools and materials into the hands of high school students. Equally, it’s key to get association members into the classroom.
He said as an association, they are aware that a lack of affordable housing is a deterrent to out-of-town tradespeople moving to the Highlands. So, having a presence within the high school lets students know they have an option to stay and work in the County.
“We’re going to have a serious shortage of tradespeople in the coming years as people start to retire. There’s work here.”
