Our Impact
Inspiring and empowering young people
Building the future of work with Aecon Group Inc.
Aecon employees volunteer in the classroom to champion careers in the skilled trades.
Careers in the skilled trades are crucial for Ontario’s communities, and for supporting a growing economy. From construction to plumbing and welding to coding… skilled trades keep society moving and growing.
But shortages of skilled tradespeople are well documented (Statistics Canada, 2022), with high numbers of skilled workers set to retire and fewer young people entering the trades workforce. That’s why we’re working with Aecon Group Inc. to get students excited about the boundless career possibilities in the skilled trades. Together, we’re supporting young people as they become the tradespeople of the future.
“Aecon and JA’s missions are tightly aligned – both are passionate about bringing career opportunities to students,” says Nicole Court, Vice President, Corporate Affairs at Aecon Group Inc., and member of JA Central Ontario’s Board of Directors. “For Aecon, we are focused on engaging students to showcase the wide variety of opportunities in Infrastructure, and the many benefits of working in the trades.”
There are countless opportunities and benefits to choosing a job in the trades, and so many ways to build a rewarding career – no matter your background, gender or abilities. It’s our mission to make as many students as possible aware of this exciting future.
In May 2024, we joined volunteers from Aecon Group Inc. at Dumbarton High School to host Exploring a Career in the Trades. This exciting event brought together 76 students to learn all about the many careers available in infrastructure industries and the trades – with Aecon’s expert volunteers answering student questions and sharing their own career paths.
The event focused on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the trades, showcasing how traditionally underrepresented groups can build rewarding, groundbreaking careers.
‘It was fun learning about the different careers and deep-diving into some,” says one student participant. “I didn’t know there are over 300 available types of jobs in the trades.’
We’re excited to continue our collaboration with Aecon Group Inc, inspiring even more young people to choose from rewarding, vital careers in the trades.
About JA Central Ontario
JA Central Ontario envisions a world in which young people have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities. They want to make sure all young people are economically empowered with the skills, confidence and networks to shape the future.
As a youth-centred charity, JA Central Ontario works together with a dedicated network of volunteers, partners and educators to deliver immersive learning in work readiness, financial health, entrepreneurship and more. JA students benefit from mentorship and real-world experiences, transforming their knowledge, skills, attitudes, and aspirations as they build their futures.
JA Central Ontario impacts students in Halton, Peel, Toronto, York, Durham and Simcoe regions. They are part of one of the world’s most-impactful youth-serving social good organizations – JA Worldwide – and they work closely with our national network, JA Canada.
