Melissa Young, the outgoing CEO of Skilled Trades Ontario, has been described by the Motor Vehicle Retailers of Ontario as the reform-minded, common-sense leader that new car and truck retailers needed.
“The Ontario Government recognized this when they abolished the College of Trades and appointed her as the first-ever CEO and Registrar of Skilled Trades Ontario,” said the MVRO in a news release.
Young was appointed in February 2022, with the MVRO among the first stakeholders she met with. They said their association leaders knew from the first meeting that she was the much-needed “breath of fresh air” that Ontario’s skilled trades system needed.
During her time as CEO, Young launched Standards Industry Advisory Committees, issuing Certificates of Qualification and wallet cards for skilled trades professionals, released a guiding strategic plan, helped pave the way for research to understand public perceptions regarding the trades, and establishing an Exam Support Unit to help clients as they advance from apprentice to journeyperson.
“After two successful years of driving major change and cleaning up the previous government’s massive and ineffective bureaucracy at the College of Trades, the Motor Vehicle Retailers of Ontario extends our heartfelt thanks to her for her service and wishes her continued success in the next chapter of her career,”said the MVRO.
They added that they are “extremely grateful” for Young’s dedication and leadership. “Thanks to her, the future is much brighter, and the pathway for a successful career in the skilled trades is easier to navigate.”
