The Business and Education Partnership of Waterloo Region invites Grade 7 to 12 students and their parents/caregivers to participate in the Skilled Trade Learning Opportunities interactive speaker series. This free virtual series gives students a chance to learn about potential career options and help them plan their future career pathways.

Registration for these events is required. A link to the recordings will be available to all registrants after each event. Please see below for more details on each session.

What Parents Need to Know About Careers in the Skilled Trades

Date: Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. (ET)
For: Parents and caregivers

Skilled trades are a great option for all high school students to consider. There is a growing demand for people to fill good-paying, satisfying careers in the Skilled Trades.

This webinar will feature:

  • a keynote address from Jon Callegher, Executive Director of JobTalks
  • information about the OYAP program
  • a question and answer (Q&A) period

The presentation by Dr. Callegher will address: 

  • what makes a “Good Job” according to Ontario parents 
  • common concerns about children’s well-being 
  • what parents really think about University and College pathways 
  • the physical and mental health benefits of the Skilled Trades 
  • how “University-bound” traits are also Skilled Trades traits

Dr. Jon Callegher is an award-winning employment researcher. He explains why guidance counsellors and teachers can be confident in supporting the Skilled Trades as a post-secondary pathway.

Register for this virtual session.


5 Great Reasons for Pursuing a Career in the Skilled Trades

Date: Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. (ET)
For: Grade 9 to 12 students

Skilled trades are a great option for all high school students to consider. There is a growing demand for people to fill good-paying, satisfying careers in the Skilled Trades.

This webinar will feature:

  • a keynote address from Jon Callegher, Executive Director of JobTalks
  • information about the OYAP program
  • a question and answer (Q&A) period

In this presentation, Dr. Callegher will:

  • share his latest research on the emotional and experiential challenges facing young people today
  • reveal five research-backed reasons for why working in the skilled trades, especially in a post-COVID-19 world, is an ideal career option
  • introduce the concept of “balanced intelligence” as a defining quality of tradespeople

Dr. Jon Callegher is an award-winning employment researcher. He will explain why students can be confident in their pursuit of the Skilled Trades as a post-secondary pathway.

Register for this virtual session.