TVOKids has recently launched a new live-action original series about skilled trades jobs to introduce career path options to Gen Alpha. Hosts Brody Agmon and Akeylah James will explore a new job in each episode of Trading Skills, including ironworking, electrician work, welding, construction, and mining. The show premiered on October 15th.
Part of the motivation to put the show into production stems from Canada’s growing labor shortage. It’s estimated that by 2028, 700,000 of the country’s skilled trade workers will retire, leaving a gap in the industry and critical vacancies to fill. The show aims to demonstrate the rewarding, valuable, and sometimes very lucrative roles in trades, hoping that some children will make it a future career aspiration.
“Trading Skills aims to open up the world of skilled trades to kids aged six to nine so they can learn about different jobs, appreciate their great benefits, and be inspired to consider one of them as a career path for themselves,” says Francis Mitchell, producer at Riverbank Productions. “It’s a big trade skills world out there, and we wanted to open that door a little more for kids.”
Each episode will showcase one of the hosts introducing a passionate tradesperson in their field. Through hands-on activities and interviews, the hosts (children themselves) will show their unique perspectives and thoughts on the job. The production team intentionally spotlighted a wide representation of tradespeople so children could see themselves in their roles while learning from their experiences—stories like Nhu Nguyen, the only female in the world holding a Porsche Classic certification, and Tammy Maki, a renowned Indigenous baker and pastry chef.
Trading Skills was filmed in various locations across Ontario to showcase the province and the diverse skill sets of the tradespeople who call it home. The series is available on TVOKids’ official digital platforms, including their YouTube channel and TVOkids.com.
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