In the mid-1990s, the Canadian government made a huge shift in the way it educated young people. Namely, there was a push towards educating young people about unions and union-related fields. After a generation, we are seeing an increase in the number of young people joining unions; it’s a direct reflection of how one nation’s focus can positively affect its future.
Now, conferences and opportunities are being held by unions and union supporters to attract youth from the teen years to those deeply immersed in young adulthood. But only two decades ago, such opportunities were lacking. Even individuals who had joined trades were not necessarily notified that they had the chance to be part of a union. Now, this has all changed.
Today, Canadians are well-versed in the advantages of being members of unions. For example, members in the IUPAT are constantly provided with information on the union itself, as well as the many benefits that come with IUPAT membership.
With better lines of communication available, it’s no wonder that the number of youth in unions has risen. Of course, unions have had to embrace what is important to young people in order to keep them involved. One of these methods has been through the use of social media.
For young people, looking up a website is as commonplace as breathing. They have embraced social media and mobile devices. To appeal to their needs and meet them where they live, unions such as the IUPAT have set up Facebook, Twitter and YouTube accounts. This presents a forum for sharing and dialogue that previously wasn’t easily available.
As the young people of Canada continue to embrace unions, it is clear that those entering the skilled trades will flock to unions like the IUPAT. It’s an exciting trend that proves the power that a national strategy, such as the one developed in the 1990s, can have on the years to come.
Are you interested in joining a union? Do you know of a young person who could use union membership to jump-start a career? Call the IUPAT representatives today at (416) 630-9604.
