Why is There a Shortage of Skilled Trade Workers? How VR Training and Early Education Can Help Solve the Problem

The skilled trades industry is facing a critical shortage, but it’s not because of a saturated market. In fact, according to Stats Canada, between 2016 and 2021, the number of tradespeople over 65 grew by nearly 12%, while the number of youth (ages 15-24) in the trades dropped by over 12%. So, what’s really going on?

On this episode of the Holmes on Homes Podcast, Mike Holmes is joined by his daughter Sherry Holmes, contractor & TV host, Frank Melecca, home renovation teacher at Judith Nyman Secondary School, and Shawn Smith from Logicaldox, a company revolutionizing skilled trades training with Virtual Reality. Together, they explore why the skilled trades shortage is happening and how it’s impacting the future of the industry.

They’ll dive into how VR (Virtual Reality) training can help solve the skilled trades shortage by transforming how we teach the next generation of tradespeople. They also address the need to introduce trades education earlier—as early as elementary school—to inspire young people to join the field. This episode also covers what are the most in-demand skilled trades, which are the least popular but present big opportunities, and how we can overcome the stigma.

From barriers to apprenticeship to technological advancements in training, the conversation offers practical advice on how to build a stronger, more skilled workforce for the future.

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🔗 Want more resources on skilled trades and encouraging the next generation of trades professionals? Check out MakeItRight.ca

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