The Skills Ontario Trades & Tech Talk Podcast

Dan talks about 140+ careers in the skilled trades and technologies and how important, in demand and rewarding these careers are. Everything from post-secondary education, apprenticeship, wages and so much more are discussed. Various guests include people who work in skilled trades and technologies; apprenticeship representatives; college representatives; teachers, and many more. This podcast is for students, teachers, parents or anyone who is interested in learning about careers in the skilled trades and technologies!

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Episodes

Episode #13 - Trisha Morin (Mechanical Engineering Technologist, Project Manager & Estimator)

In honor of International Women's Day and Women in Construction Week 2023, Dan welcomes Trisha Morin to the podcast! Trisha is a Project Manager and Estimator, as well as a Mechanical Engineering Technologist who just received her 25 Year Membership Recognition with OACETT (Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists). Trisha’s story is truly an inspiration for any young woman who is looking at getting into a career in skilled trades and technologies!...

Mar 09, 2023•49 min

Episode #12 - Erick Cole (18 Years Old Level 1 Apprentice Electrician)

What were YOU doing at 18 years old!? Dan welcomes 18 year old - Level 1 Apprentice Electrician - Erick Cole to the podcast to talk about his pathway…(yes, he’s only 18!)…into a career as an Apprentice Electrician. You’ll be amazed at what Erick has accomplished in a short time and you will be inspired by his story and by how he acknowledges everyone who helped him along his journey. Welcome…to The Erick Cole Experience!

Oct 24, 2022•44 min

Episode #11 - OYAP (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program)

The Skills Ontario Trades & Tech Talk Podcast is back and Dan welcomes Dan Lortie from OYAP (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program) to talk about all things related to a co-op placement in the skilled trades and how signing up with the OYAP Program can help you with your future career in a skilled trade. Dan also answers some questions about the OYAP Program that many of you (including parents) might have!

Sep 21, 2022•40 min

Episode #10 - New Canadians in Skilled Trades & Technologies

In this episode, Dan welcomes Samridhi, a new Canadian with a career in a skilled trade, to discuss her journey and experiences. Safia with the Outreach & Engagement team at Skills Ontario also chats about our upcoming Virtual Trades & Tech Discovery Day for New Canadians.

Jul 15, 2021•45 min

Episode #9 - Persons with Exceptionalities

Dan, Bill and Madeline discuss everything that is happening with Skills Ontario including the 2021 Virtual Skills Ontario Competition and Career Exploration Showcase. Dan welcomes Glenn Dayton to discuss his pathway to a career in the skilled trades and technologies, as well as his exceptionality (not disability) and how he didn’t let that stop him from achieving his dream of a career in skilled trades and tech. Get ready to be inspired!

May 07, 2021•47 min

Episode #8 - Bruce Power

Dan, Bill and Madeline discuss upcoming Skills Ontario events and welcome Platinum Partner Bruce Power to the podcast. Dan and Bill sit with Rozella Johnston from the Indigenous Employment and Training program and discuss how Bruce Power is a champion in Young Women’s and First Nations, Metis and Inuit Initiatives. Dan also speaks with Evan Davies, Mechanical Maintenance Intern to discuss his pathway towards a career in skilled trades and technologies with Bruce Power.

Mar 12, 2021•42 min

Episode #7 - Carpentry (United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America)

In this episode focusing on the Carpentry trade, Dan, Bill and Maddie talk about what skilled trade they would have liked to pursue. Dan also welcomes Jon Baron, Training Coordinator from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America – Local 93. Dan and Jon talk about the pathway to becoming a Carpenter, as well as numerous opportunities that exist in the trade.

Feb 02, 2021•41 min

Episode #6 – Auto Body Technician (Fix Auto)

Dan, Bill and Maddie talk about their holidays and discuss Skills Ontario programs and initiatives for January 2021. Dan welcomes Gold Partner Fix Auto to the podcast and sits with Rob Blenkarn, Owner of Fix Auto Brockville, to discuss Rob’s pathway into becoming an Auto Body Technician. Dan also speaks with Sophie Pépin, National Training Manager for Fix Auto, to discuss various training opportunities with Fix Auto.

Jan 18, 2021•46 min

Episode #5 - Outreach & Engagement

In this episode, Dan, Bill and Maddie highlight the amazing changes and new initiatives that have taken place at Skills Ontario since the last episode. Dan welcomes Paul Clipsham, Director of Stakeholder Relations with Skills Ontario, to talk about Community Outreach and Engagement initiatives, as well as sponsorship. Dan also connects with Michelle Proctor, Skills Ontario's Marketing and Events Coordinator, to discuss a very unique way of giving at this festive time of the year.

Dec 09, 2020•30 min

Episode #4 - College Pathway

In this episode, we discuss college as a great post-secondary pathway for recent graduating high-school students... (and their parents), and we interview Linda Franklin - President and CEO of Colleges Ontario!

Jun 30, 2020•33 min

Episode #3 - Women in Skilled Trades And Technologies

Dan welcomes Maddie Keltie as a third host on the podcast. This episode focuses on Women in The Skilled Trades and Technologies as Dan sits down with Jennifer Green – Director of Young Women’s Initiatives Programs at Skills Ontario. Jenn talks about her career as a Mechanical Millwright, why she decided to join the Skills Ontario team and how the Skills Ontario Young Women’s Initiative’s Programs help young women decide if a career in the skilled trades and technologies is right for them. Don’t ...

Jun 04, 2020•25 min

Episode #2 - Automotive Mechanic

In Episode #2 of The Skills Ontario Trades & Tech Talk Podcast, Dan & Bill welcome Nicole Curry who is a Class A Red Seal Certified Automotive Mechanic. Nicole discusses her pathway to becoming an automotive mechanic as she shares stories about the barriers she faced and the successes that she has achieved. Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to hear more podcasts related to careers in the Skilled Trades and Technologies!

May 22, 2020•24 min•Ep. 2

Episode #1 - Welcome to Skills Ontario!

Welcome to the NEW Skills Ontario Trades and Tech Talk Podcast! In this first episode, Dan and Bill talk about everything Skills Ontario related and are joined by Ian Howcroft (CEO of Skills Ontario). Also discussed is what future episodes will be about - 140+ careers in the skilled trades and technologies; interviews with people who work in the skilled trades and technologies field, apprenticeship representatives, teachers and so much more! DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!

Apr 30, 2020•21 min•Ep. 1