Ottawa, ON – February 19th 2025 – The Elite Skilled Trades Academy (ESTA), in collaboration with the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) and Skills Council of Canada are hosting an Employer Information Session today from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. This event will bring together employers in the skilled trades to explore partnership opportunities and learn how they can contribute to workforce development.
With Ontario’s skilled trades sector facing growing demand for qualified workers, ESTA and its partners are committed to preparing students with real-world training and career pathways. The Employer Information Session will offer businesses the opportunity to engage with industry leaders and discover how collaboration with ESTA and Skills Council of Canada can help bridge the skills gap and strengthen Ontario’s workforce.
“The success of skilled trades education relies on strong partnerships between industry and education,” said Brent Kaesler, Partnership Development Consultant, Specialist High Skills Major Board Lead, and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program Recruiter at Elite Skilled Trades Academy (ESTA) / Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB). “This event is an opportunity for employers to see firsthand how they can play an active role in shaping the future workforce and ensuring students have the hands-on training needed to meet industry demands.”
“Employer engagement is critical to ensuring students have the skills and experience they need to succeed in skilled trades careers,” said Kate O’Neil, VP Partnerships and Stakeholder Relations at Skills Council of Canada. “We are proud to support ESTA as a lead partner in creating opportunities for collaboration between industry and education to build a sustainable workforce for Ontario’s future.”
📍 Location: Elite Skilled Trades Academy
📆 Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Employers interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP. Please Contact Brent Kaesler at brent.kaesler@ocsb.ca
The Elite Skilled Trades Academy (ESTA) is a hands-on training facility committed to preparing students for rewarding careers in skilled trades. Through industry partnerships and real-world training, ESTA provides a direct pathway for students to develop practical skills that align with employer needs.
About Ottawa Catholic School Board
The Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) is an innovative faith-based learning community that values equity and wellness. With 89 schools and learning sites throughout Ottawa, OCSB provides quality publicly-funded education to over 45,000 students. The Board's mission is to offer a well-rounded education for the mind, body, and spirit through an emphasis on academic excellence, social responsibility, and Catholic values.
Skills Council of Canada (SCC) is an Ottawa-based education technology organization dedicated to providing comprehensive skills development solutions across Canada. Our mission is to eliminate barriers to education and employment by offering equitable access to quality learning opportunities.
We collaborate with government, employers, educational institutions, and community organizations to create a robust skills ecosystem. Our services include a vast library of over 5,000 skills development courses, 2,000+ assessments, and 1,000+ career exploration videos, supported by our state-of-the-art skills management system. SCC supports diverse programs such as mentorship, explore a trade, skilled trade training, workforce development, and newcomer pathways, aiming to foster a skilled, job-ready workforce.
By leveraging technology and strategic partnerships, SCC addresses the dynamic needs of various industries, enhancing job readiness and supporting economic growth. Our initiatives include innovative programs like "Explore a Trade," empowering youth and marginalized communities, and providing resources for continuous learning and career advancement.
For more information, visit www.skillscouncil.ca
