From a media release:
Did you know that Canada is experiencing a growing labor shortage? In 2022, the Canadian federal government predicted that around 700,000 of the country’s skilled trade workers would retire by 2028, leaving important vacancies to fill*. The new live-action TVOkids Original series Trading Skills (13 x 11′) gives kids a sneak peek into the vibrant and rewarding world of skilled trade jobs that viewers could consider for their own future – and potentially very lucrative – careers. Stream Trading Skills across Canada starting Tues., Oct. 15 at 11 a.m. ET on TVOkids Digital platforms including TVOkids.com, TVOkids YouTube channel and Smart TV services. The series has its broadcast premiere on Tues., Oct. 15 at 4:05 p.m. ET on TVO.
From their special workshop, kid hosts Akeylah James and Brody Agmon introduce viewers to a new skilled trade in every episode. They dive into different trades, taking turns meeting passionate tradespeople and giving viewers an inside look at their expertise. Through one-on-one interviews and hands-on activities, each episode highlights a trade from the kid hosts’ unique perspectives—crafted specifically for young audiences.
The series features a range of skilled trade jobs including auto service technician, electrician, ironworker, goldsmith, baker-patissier, horticulturist, mining millwright, welder, dairy herdsperson, construction craft worker, chef, hairstylist, and an arborist.
The Trading Skills production team worked to intentionally feature a wide representation of tradespeople so that kids can see themselves on the screen and learn their stories. For example, auto service technician Nhu Nguyen is the only female in the world with a Porsche Classic certification and ironworker Jamie McMillan became an ironworker in 2002 when women only represented 2% of the trade workforce across Canada and the United States. Tammy Maki, a renowned Indigenous pastry chef, is also featured.
Riverbank Pictures filmed the series at locales across Ontario to shine a light on the province and its wonderfully diverse skilled tradespeople. Locations include the Greater Toronto Area, Vaughan, Hamilton, Waterdown, Sudbury, the Niagara region, the Caledon area, the Kitchener area, and Collingwood.
A Riverbank Pictures original production, Trading Skills is produced in association with TVOKids and is made with the financial participation of the Canada Media Fund. The series is produced by Francis Mitchell, David Mitchell, Johnny Mitchell and written and directed by Johnny Mitchell and Emma Fox.