Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/899551
Heritage Matters 18 The problem is particularly acute in the traditional building disciplines, such as masonry. The Government of Canada has recognized the problem and is actively seeking skilled individuals from other countries to fill the shortage. Fast-track immigration processing is offered for those with specialized skills, which indicates that something is amiss in how our society is training its population for the requirements of the current and future workforce. The domestic job market does not seem to value technical training and skills; there has been a widespread move away from trades in favour of academic-based fields. Most students who show aptitude and willingness to learn are streamed into university programs. The net result has been that the depth of trade proficiency has diminished, with the best and brightest being discouraged from entering the disciplines. In Ontario, masonry training is typically offered at the college level through a handful of institutions or through union- and contractor-sponsored private programs to fulfill the in-class portion of the union apprenticeship model. When looking at the traditional masonry field – and stone working and restoration specifically – the options grow fewer. The majority of masonry training for a recognized certification, such as the Ontario Red Seal Certification, is in the brick and block unit masonry disciplines that mainly constitute modern masonry veneer and structural walling specialities. Restoration and traditional masonry construction practice is typically only a small part of this training. Young workers wishing to enter the "trowel trades" are usually directed to the well-established brick and block masonry apprenticeships where they can earn a Traditional Masonry Skills – Where Are the New Recruits? By Donovan Pauly In Canada, there appears to be a critical shortage of skilled tradespeople. Several government reports have been commissioned over the years to study the decline in traditional masonry skills. Photo: Donovan Pauly