2022 DWA Industry Tour for Educators
In late November more than 40 educators from the Durham District School Board (DDSB) boarded a big yellow school bus to embark on the 2022 DWA Industry Tour. Returning from a pandemic related hiatus, this highly anticipated annual tour provides industry-specific occupation information, highlights in-demand occupations and informs on the skill sets required for successful long-term labour force attachment. It equips educators with broader understanding of the current local labour market, and industry connections necessary to better inform students about career opportunities in our community.
Our first stop was Ajax Textile Corporation, which provided an opportunity for educators to learn about the fabric dying process and gave them some insight into the skills that local employers are looking for in job applicants. At this stop in particular, they heard about the deficit of skilled trades workers and the impact this has on local employers.
Next, we dropped in visit our partners at Whitby Economic Development, who were kind enough to share a presentation on the important role the 1855 Technology Accelerator plays in supporting innovation and introduce our educators to the innovators currently working in the accelerator.
Finally, the highlight of the tour, was a presentation from Invest Durham on the emerging film industry in Durham. Eileen Kennedy provided important insights into how the industry is growing locally and shared information on the sound stages and locations increasingly being used in popular movies and television shows. This was especially exciting as it concluded with an invitation for educators to share this exciting information with their students at an upcoming information fair being hosted by the Region.
Prior to the pandemic, the DWA Industry Tour was a highly anticipated annual event for both educators and local businesses. It provides an opportunity for educators to connect with employers and gain a deeper understanding of the local labour market and the career paths available to their students. These connections support the effective delivery of programs like the Specialist High Skills Majors and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Programs. This benefits our students by exposing those guiding them to in-demand careers and it supports our businesses by connecting them with the workforce of the future.
Stay tuned in the coming months for more information on the next DWA Industry Tour!