THURSDAY, june 5 - 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM

8:00 a.m. HOT BREAKFAST AND REGISTRATION

WELCOME & OPENING REMARKS

  • Greetings from the Board Chair, Michael Sherrard.

KEYNOTE Address: 'HOW TO ATTRACT GEN Z TO THE SKILLED TRADES'
Dr. Jon Callegher shares the latest research on work-related values of Generation Z.  With Gen Z enjoying an unprecedented range of career options, the competition for top talent is fiercer than ever. To stand out, employers must gain a deeper understanding of what truly drives this generation.  Dr. Callegher will present a concise 5-step plan for creating recruitment and retention strategies that resonate with the next generation of talent.

Dr. Jon Callegher is an award-winning researcher and skilled trades marketing expert. He has surveyed thousands of workers and interviewed more than 200 tradespeople.

WELLNESS BREAK

FIRESIDE CHAT - THE APPRENTICESHIP AND CERTIFICATION JOURNEY
Minister David Piccini and STO’s CEO, Candice White will discuss the apprenticeship journey, share key business achievements over the past year, discuss current initiatives, and highlight future priorities for continued growth and success.

INAUGURAL APPRENTICESHIP AWARDS PRESENTATION

  • The Skilled Trades Ontario Outstanding Apprentice Award recognizes one outstanding apprentice who goes above and beyond the norm in their dedication to their trade and their apprenticeship.
  • The Skilled Trades Ontario Award of Excellence recognizes the valuable contributions the award recipient has made to encourage and support trade certification among apprentices and promote the value of certification within the skilled trades.
  • The Outstanding Journeyperson Award Presented by the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development recognizes the exceptional dedication and support of a journeyperson who has gone above and beyond to guide, inspire, and invest in the success of their apprentice.

LUNCH BREAK

WORKING TOGETHER TO INSPIRE & BUILD A SKILLED TRADES WORKFORCE
This facilitated workshop will challenge delegates to take a closer look at what’s needed to promote apprenticeship
and certification, identify system gaps, dispel myths/improve public perceptions, and address health and safety prevention.

CLOSING REMARKS / CALL TO ACTION