Got invited to speak to a group of 10 to 13 year olds at camp today about the importance of entrepreneurship & skilled trades. Through hands-on activities relevant to the skilled trades, these campers develop communication, problem-solving and teamwork skills.

I get so excited when I talk to young people about starting their own business and to challenge them to think about their future careers involving skilled trades.

I told them that It may seem a little early to be thinking about their future career. That they may be already tired of people asking “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

Yet, now is the perfect time to explore their interest in the trades. They can be thinking about it before they choose courses in high school – and well before they have to decide on a college or university course.

When it comes to careers, most people want the same thing: They want to do what they love – and get paid for it!
From my perspective as Mayor, I can tell you that there is a lot of demand for workers in the skilled trades.
I hear it all the time when I’m out in the community talking to businesses.

Many businesses are looking for skilled tradespeople. Sometimes they have a hard time filling positions because there aren’t enough people out there with the right training and qualifications.

It looked like a great camp and I wish everyone the best! I want to thank Skills Ontario for inviting me, and for putting on this camp in Guelph and in other cities across Ontario.

Cam