Behind the Blueprints: The Secrets and Strategies of Building a Lasting Career in Trades with Tania Johnston

In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster interviews Tania Johnston, CEO of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada. They discuss the wide range of career opportunities available within the mechanical trades, emphasizing the importance of apprenticeship programs, advocacy, and the significant roles these trades play in the construction industry. Tania provides insights into the association’s efforts to address labor shortages, promote women in trades, and the impact of their advocacy work. They also highlight the need to reintroduce trade education in high schools and advocate for targeted immigration to address workforce gaps. The episode concludes with a discussion on the benefits of mentorship and the various paths within the mechanical trades that can lead to long-term, fulfilling careers.   01:05 Understanding the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada 01:47 Advocacy and Economic Impact 03:15 Member Representation and Training 04:13 Challenges and Opportunities in the Trades 06:29 Women in Trades and New Initiatives 10:55 Personal Journey and Mentorship 16:58 Student Chapter Program and Partnerships  This episode is brought to you by HEM Education Marketing Solutions If there’s one thing I’ve learned from speaking with schools across the country, it’s that having a strong admissions and marketing system isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. That’s where HEM comes in. HEM has been working with regulated career colleges since 2008, offering data-driven digital marketing and a powerful all-in-one CRM & Student Management System called HEM-SP, built specifically for education. It streamlines everything, inquiries, applications, payments, scheduling, and more, freeing up your team to focus on what matters most: supporting students. What stands out to me is how much colleges trust HEM to help them grow, and how often they stay long-term. It’s a sign that their approach actually works. Want to see what HEM can do for your school? Visit www.hem.agency to book your free 15-minute strategy call and get a personalized demo.   Read the full transcript hereListen to past episodes here