carpenters entering our industry. The trades are filled with smart people who can do challenging physically demanding tasks and they deserve the utmost respect for their skillset. The term, “work-life balance” is often used to describe a utopia of our lives. We are veering more towards the separation of “work” from “life”. I have a slightly different view and see work as being an integrated part of a healthy life. I view productivity as a virtue that contributes to the betterment of society. These views are obviously shaped by the generation in which I was raised and that of my parents. To end it off, what is the solution to our skilled labour shortage? There is no quick fix! We missed an opportunity and now we will suffer from the pain of poor planning. However, I believe there are ways to correct the situation over the next 10-20 years. We need to continue to place great value on skilled trades beginning from a young age. Educate the public to be thankful and respect the people who work with their hands and brains connected like a well-oiled machine. Invest and promote more skilled trades education and apprenticeship programs and encourage everyone to find pleasure in a job well done and that being a professional truly matters. For those who read this article, I truly hope you found some value and it helps you think more about the value of the talented men and women who make the work turn as skilled tradespeople.
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VOL 23 ISSUE 1 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 23 ISSUE 1
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