Jeff’s first priority was modernizing operations. He introduced digital tools for bookkeeping, scheduling, invoicing, and real-time technician tracking. “We operate our business off an iPad,” Jeff explained. “Technicians see their next call, hit ‘on my way,’ and customers get a text with their photo and can track the truck like Uber.” These upgrades improved efficiency and strengthened customer engagement. By adopting technology early, A1 built a reputation as a tech-savvy, approachable company with a modern image. Customers liked being able to “follow” technicians en route to their homes, and this encouraged their loyalty.

Jeff explained that A1’s tech adoption reflects a broader shift in how trades are viewed. Today, trades are seen as professional careers, and customers expect plumbers to be accessible both as communicators and in the communication tools they use. By using technology to manage schedules and enhance transparency, A1 reinforces the image of plumbers as skilled, tech-savvy professionals. This recognition has boosted pride in the plumbing trade and made it more attractive to new talent.

Literacy Link South Central (LLSC) was proud to participate in the Ontario Disability Employment Network’s (ODEN) Rethinking Disability Conference 2025, held on November 3r, 2025, in Toronto. Representing our employer-facing apprenticeship support program, Step Up and Succeed (SUAS), we hosted an exhibitor booth that sparked meaningful conversations with employers, service providers, and community programs committed to building inclusive workplaces.

The conference provided a rich environment for knowledge-sharing and collaboration. We attended several insightful workshops that aligned closely with SUAS goals, including Disclosure & Accommodation, Business Case for Inclusion, and From Skills Shortages to Skills Resilience: Disability Inclusive Approaches for the Trades. These sessions reinforced the importance of inclusive hiring practices and the role of supported training in addressing workforce gaps.

A highlight of our participation was the opportunity to showcase LLSC’s Employer Resource Hub, a growing repository of tools and supports designed to help employers navigate apprenticeship pathways with confidence and inclusivity. The passion and drive of service providers, coupled with powerful stories from employers, underscored the impact of inclusive employment strategies.

While SUAS was our primary focus, we also introduced attendees to our new apprentice-facing initiative, ARISE (Apprenticeship Readiness Inventory and Skills Evaluation). Open to all apprentices and aspiring apprentices, ARISE places a special emphasis on supporting individuals with learning differences through access to skills assessments, accommodation planning, and adaptive technology.

We left the conference energized by the collective commitment to equity in employment and excited to continue building partnerships that support both employers and apprentices.

The ConnectHER Skilled Trades Community is coalition of allied partners including Polytechnics, community service organizations and advocacy groups has come together to create a national mentorship community for women in skilled trades. Our goal is to bring together women in the trades through training, networking, and promoting diversity and inclusivity. By combining the strengths and resources of all our ConnectHER allies, we aim to equip women with the skills, support, and opportunites necessary to succeed and excel in their chosen trade careers.

ConnectHER's Break Barriers. Build Futures. Industry Perspective Survey is part of the national ConnectHER project, an initiative focused on improving recruitment, retention, and advancement opportunties for women in the skilled trades. It gathers insights directly from employers, organized labour, and other industry stakeholders from across Canada.

People at all levels of the trade’s workforce from leadership and management to job crews on the front lines, are encourage to take this 10 minute survey. Each perspective matters and adds depth to the findings.

Help shape the future of women in the trades. Share your perspective in the ConnectHER Survey — quick, confidential, and critical for change. Start here: www.connect-her.ca/survey/