Spider Jones Named Ontario’s First Ambassador for the Skilled Trades

Spider Jones, a sports broadcaster and former amateur boxing champion, will be the Ontario government’s first ambassador to promote the skilled trades to high school students.

“Spider Jones is a successful athlete and public speaker who will inspire students to think about their goals, and the education and training they need to achieve them,” said Dianne Cunningham, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities for the province. “He will encourage students to consider careers in skilled trades and help recruit the next generation of skilled workers Ontario needs to compete in the global marketplace.”

As an ambassador for the skilled trades, Jones will visit schools across Ontario and encourage students to make good choices for the future. He will also promote Ontario government programs that help young people start a career in the skilled trades, including the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, co-operative education placements and Ontario Summer Jobs.

“Young people need opportunities to develop confidence in themselves and their skills,” Jones said. “They also need to learn about the wide range of opportunities available if they take the time to plan their training and education, and put their heart and energy into achieving their goals.

“My message to students is that the more education and training you have, the more opportunities you have to succeed, and apprenticeship training provides an excellent opportunity for a great career,” Jones added.

“Skilled trades provide good careers and exciting work that challenge individual creativity and intellect. A career in the trades can also lead to further education, at a college or university, and often skilled tradespeople open their own businesses,” Cunningham added.