Pathways Conference gathers and educates Canada’s Indigenous youth to fill the labour gap in the Trades

Pathways Conference gathers and educates Canada’s Indigenous youth to fill the labour gap in the Trades 

February 28, 2014

Edmonton, AB – Pathways: Gathering our Nations’ Youth for Trades is a national conference bringing together Canada’s Indigenous youth (ages 16-25), exposing them to information and resources about careers in the trades. Taking place April 1-3 in Fantasyland Hotel at West Edmonton Mall, the conference will be an opportunity for Indigenous youth to educate themselves on what constitutes a trade, what the educational paths are to learning a trade, and what types of businesses hire skilled tradespeople.

The conference is not a job fair, and no attending organizations will be looking to fill specific roles. Instead, Pathways will provide first hand education to Indigenous youths on the major employers of tradespeople in Canada. Ultimately, Pathways will help indigenous youth form new relationships, eliminate barriers between them and a career in the trades, and provide opportunities they previously weren’t aware of.

Karen McCarthy, CEO of the Alberta Indigenous Entertainment Group and Pathways Conference Manager is excited by the conference’s potential.

“We have the opportunity to provide a real benefit to both Canada’s economy, and our nations’ youth,” said McCarthy. “It’s estimated that by 2017 there could be a massive shortfall of workers. But with a significant number of Indigenous youth entering the labour force in the next few years, we could make a real dent in that shortfall.”

By creating a forum to expose youth to trades, companies and organizations have direct access to their future employees, bridging the gap in Canada’s labour force.

In addition, the conference will showcase the importance of understanding and supporting Indigenous cultures within the work place. By creating an inclusive environment, employers have the opportunity to showcase their Indigenous programs and gain access to an up and coming workforce. Throughout the conference successful examples of Indigenous development within the trades will also be highlighted.

Contact:

To learn more about Pathways, please contact

Karen McCarthy, Conference Manager (780) 245-5949 karenmccarthy@mccarthygroupltd.ca