Training for key skills seen as critical on both sides of the Atlantic

A pioneering new project in Ontario, Canada, has given children the chance to learn fundamental electrician skills through a hands-on workshop.

Citing the growing skills shortage in the country, the organiser, Skills Canada-Ontario, hopes to enthuse children from a young age about basic skills which the country needs, with a view to offering them more options for when they grow up, reports the Chronicle Journal.

Karen Throupe of the body behind the Canadian workshops explained: "It is raising awareness about these types of jobs that are very critical."

The skills shortage in Britain, for such trades as electricians, has been tackled partly through the adoption of online training courses, following recommendations last year from voices like the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

Speaking last year, CMI chief executive Ruth Spellman said: "Business leaders will need to embrace the concept of 'training on a shoestring'."

Cost-effective, online training programs represent just one route prospective learners and businesses have open to them, according to Commonwealth Contractors, a trade body for professionals in commonwealth countries.