Apprenticeship training will be more important than ever for young people wanting to take advantage of a growing demand for skilled labour in this province, says Delta Mayor Lois Jackson.
Three years ago, the mayor spearheaded the launch of the Delta Trades and Technical Fair, an annual event held in North Delta that gives young people an array of ideas on fulfilling careers that don't follow the university or college academic routes.
This year's Delta Trades and Technical Fair will take place Thursday, April 28 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Sungod Recreation Centre.
"What I've seen through the years is that everybody wants to have their children go to university. Maybe they will get a BA, but it doesn't really put them in a position after university where they have a job down the
road. There's a number of people I've seen leave university but all they're really equipped for is to work at McDonald's. This is a fact," said Jackson.
Jackson said young people and parents should recognize there are many good-paying jobs that don't require a university degree.
"We are very short on skills and skilled labour in B.C., so I took it upon myself to say let's open the door and open the minds of young people and parents to something like welding or plumbing and all of these careers that are very high-paying that can be an option," added the six-term mayor.
Started in 2013, next week's Delta Trades and Technical Fair at the Sungod Arena has grown to 75 exhibitors and will have thousands of attendees. It's a partnership with the Delta school district, BCIT, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Vancouver Community
College, employers and industry organizations. Media partners include the Optimist.
The annual free event for students, parents and the public is an opportunity to explore trades and technical careers through hands-on, interactive exhibits, demonstrations and talking directly with experts. Students can chat with industry professionals about culinary arts, mechanics, hair and aesthetics, aviation, policing, plumbing and much more.
For females considering entering trades, there are many more opportunities as the province has pledged additional funding for mentorship for women.
For more information, visit the Corporation of Delta's website at delta.ca.
