Connecting Employers and Schools to Inspire the Next Generation of Skilled Trades Professionals

The Skilled Trades Regional Networks (STRN) are a province-wide initiative led by ApprenticeSearch.com and Skills Ontario, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, to create opportunities for students to explore, experience, and pursue careers in the skilled trades.

These growing networks bring employers, educators, and communities together to:

• Inspire students through career talks, industry tours, and job shadowing
  
• Expand access to cooperative education placements in the skilled trades
  
• Facilitate donations of tools, equipment, and materials to support hands-on learning
  

By fostering local partnerships, the Regional Networks give students meaningful exposure to skilled trades careers—bridging the gap between school and the workplace.

About the STRN Project Partners

HIEC is a not-for-profit social enterprise focused on partnership, mentorship, and workforce development in Ontario. With 35 years of experience as an active community-focused organization, HIEC enjoys a reputation for being a strong partner with industry, education, and government, maximizing opportunities to build community capacity.

Over the last 25 years, ApprenticeSearch.com has established itself as a leader in supporting apprentices and employers in the skilled trades. ApprenticeSearch.com has been identified as a critical part of Canada’s skilled trades labour market as its largest database of job opportunities in the skilled trades.




Skills Ontario is committed to preparing Ontario’s youth for the highly-skilled economy of tomorrow. Skills Ontario partners with school boards, colleges, small business, large companies, labour groups, and governments to provide opportunities for youth to explore and develop skills for successful careers in the skilled trades and technologies. With 35 years of experience, Skills Ontario is a province-wide organization with a grassroots connection into the many communities we serve. Our programs represent a long-term investment in the lives of all Ontarians.