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Southgate Collision Centre Apprentice Featured in National Op-Ed on Canada's Skilled Trades Shortage

Posted August 13, 2026

Isabelle Ouellette, a second-year Auto Body Apprentice at Southgate Collision Centre in Edmonton, AB, is one of the voices behind a new op-ed on why Canada is short an estimated 1.4 million skilled trades workers by 2033 -- and what needs to change to fix it.

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Isabelle, a member of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum's Youth Apprenticeship Council, co-authored an op-ed published August 10, 2026 on The Future Economy examining why so few young Canadians are entering -- and staying in -- the skilled trades, despite record demand.

The piece points to three barriers holding the industry back:

  • Financial pressure on apprentices. Following the removal of the federal Apprenticeship Incentive Grant and Apprenticeship Completion Grant in March 2025, roughly 70% of apprentices had relied on those grants to help cover tuition, and about half of registered apprentices never complete their Red Seal certification.
  • Awareness gaps. Skilled trades are still rarely presented as a first-choice career path, even as programs like Alberta's Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) show what's possible when students get earlier exposure.
  • Retention challenges. Outside pressures -- like insurance-company limits on repair time and parts -- can squeeze the earning potential and job satisfaction that keep tradespeople in the field long-term.
"You have the potential to be an incredible technician. You just have to be patient and remind yourself that you're still learning."

With an estimated 700,000 skilled trades retirements expected across Canada by 2033, the op-ed makes the case that supporting apprentices -- financially and culturally -- isn't just good for young workers, it's essential to keeping the automotive service industry running.

We're proud that a member of the Southgate Collision Centre team is helping lead that conversation nationally. Read Isabelle's full op-ed on The Future Economy:

Read the Full Op-Ed →

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Southgate Volkswagen support apprentices and skilled trades careers?

Yes. Southgate Collision Centre and Southgate Volkswagen's service department both employ registered apprentices working toward Red Seal certification in automotive service and collision repair.

What is the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum's Youth Apprenticeship Council?

It's a national council of current apprentices who advise on policy and advocate for improving apprenticeship access, funding, and completion rates across Canada's skilled trades.

How many skilled trades workers does Canada need in the coming years?

The op-ed cites roughly 700,000 projected skilled trades retirements by 2033, with an estimated 1.4 million new workers needed to fill the gap.

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