Canada’s automotive manufacturing sector continues to have a strong demand for people with skilled trades experience. Given FOCAL’s projected retirements and the demand in the broader automotive sector and its supply chain, change is needed to ensure an adequate supply of qualified skilled trades personnel in the trades that are in demand. The paper addresses the issue of participation by youth in technical, vocational education and training (TVET) including skilled trades in the school system. The paper first provides some context by examining government data on youth participation in industrial trades. The paper highlights industrial trades in demand by auto and its supply chain. It also looks at education policy on TVET and best practices emerging in other jurisdictions and opportunities for Ontario and other provinces to offer youth in schools a variety of opportunities for career pathways including the skilled trades.