Conestoga news

June 28, 2022 9:58 AM

Skilled trades workers invited to complete research survey

Conestoga’s Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness & Performance (CISWP) has launched a research survey to evaluate the occupational exposures and job demands required to perform skilled trades jobs in Ontario. The project is part of a larger initiative, Skilled Trade Research, InnoVation and Education in Occupational Safety and Health (STRIVE OSH), that aims to improve the health, safety and wellbeing of the skilled trades workforce and improve the productivity and performance of organizations.

“We are looking for feedback from workers, students and apprentices in the skilled trades,” said Nicki Islic, associate director, Strategic Initiatives and Stakeholder Engagement, CISWP. “Participation in this survey will help inform practices to optimize workforce abilities and skills to better match the demands required of skilled trades jobs and to reduce the likelihood of workplace injuries.”

Islic added that skilled trades workers play an essential role in the lives of all Ontarians as well as in the provincial economy, building and maintaining infrastructure such as homes, schools, hospitals and roads and ensuring delivery of services across the province every day.

“Keeping skilled trades workers healthy and prolonging their working lives while attracting newly trained workers from diverse backgrounds will be essential to Ontario’s continued growth and prosperity,” said Islic. “Survey feedback from skilled trades workers will inform our research initiatives so that we can develop tools, guidelines and best practices for the industry.”

Skilled trades students, workers and apprentices are invited to complete the 30-minute online survey. Participants will be entered into a draw to win one of 100 $50 Amazon gift cards and their identities and survey responses will remain confidential. Responses will only be accessed by CISWP researchers.

This research project is supported by Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, and has received ethical clearance from Conestoga College’s Research Ethics Board.

The Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness & Performance, located within Conestoga’s School of Business, works to improve the safety, wellness and performance of the Canadian labour force by generating knowledge, transferring research to practice, and strengthening workforce development - all in collaboration with stakeholders.

For more information about the survey, contact Nicki Islic: nislic@conestogac.on.ca.