Building The Future Workforce : The Library’s Role in Skilled Trades Training

The current era of economic uncertainty and technological disruption makes the task of forecasting future workforce needs more difficult than ever. In contrast, the demand for skilled trades in Canada is strong and projected to grow, spurring considerable investment in construction and transportation trades education especially. A future worker's introduction to the trades will likely happen at secondary school and carry on through post-secondary institutions. What role does and should libraries (academic, public and special) play in this education? This poster presentation will share preliminary findings of a research study investigating this question. Insights from instructors and librarians supporting the trades are considered, including: Instructor and student information needs Challenges tradespeople in training have in their information seeking The kinds of library support that add value to learning and teaching The potential role of a community of practice around 'trades librarianship' It is hoped that this presentation will foster discussions with international colleagues around opportunities for engagement in this important although – at least at academic libraries – often ignored area of librarianship.