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The new original series Trading Skills launched recently and one of the episodes features a 13-year-old host shadowing a construction craft worker.

The series, which premiered on TVO on Oct. 15, aims to introduce Gen Alpha to the skilled trades.

In each episode, co-hosts Akeyla Jones and Brody Agmon introduce viewers to a new skilled trade from their unique workshop. They take turns trying out different trades, meeting the tradespeople, visiting the sites, conducting one-on-one interviews and taking part in hands-on activities.

In episode 10, Agmon visited the 3 Training Centre in Vaughan, Ont. There he meets who explains what being a construction craft worker entails and what skills and responsibilities they have on the jobsite.

“As a construction craft worker, CCW for short, it’s our job to make sure the jobsite is organized and clean. We also build structures such as stairs so workers can go on the top level so they can do their jobs,” said Onyancha in the episode. “We also sometimes work with metal, concrete and other stuff on the jobsite. We do it all.

“The first step is always safety,” he added. “We have to make sure that all of these tools and all of these materials are put away.”

Onyancha said he wanted to showcase his skills as a construction craft worker and journeyman on a jobsite.

“It was my first time in front of the cameras,” said Onyancha. “I was bit nervous but as we continued with the takes, I started gaining my confidence and the TVO team including Brody made everything easy.”

Trades featured in other episodes include auto service technician, electrician, ironworker, goldsmith, baker-patissier, horticulturist, mining millwright, welder, dairy herdsperson, chef, hairstylist and arborist. One episode features Jamie McMillan who became an ironworker in 2002 when women only represented two per cent of the trade workforce across Canada and the United States.

In Episode 10, Onyancha showed Agmon how to clean up a messy construction site by picking up and putting away power tools, equipment, materials like nails and sweeping up dust.

“Brody got to learn preparation and clean up to setting up and removing access equipment,” Onyancha said. “He also learned carpentry, working with concrete and machine operation.”

While at the training centre, Onyancha showed Agmon how to build stairs, grade using an electric excavator, mix and pour concrete.

“CCWs sometimes need concrete because we build pads,” he explained. “We need concrete to make a strong structure so they can build a scaffold, they can build stairs so that way the workers can have something strong enough to build a strong foundation.”

Onyancha explained he first got involved with LIUNA through a friend who was already a 183 member.

“He told me all I have to do is go to school for two months and then once I finished I could start doing construction, so that’s what I did,” he recalled.

“I picked up the phone and they sent me to school for two months. Once I finished, they sent me to the field as an apprentice. I did my six-month apprenticeship. I finished, I went back to the training centre, I got more training, more tickets…Once I finished the training and I went to the job I was getting paid. I was making good money.”

What does he like most about being a CCW?

“Every day is a new experience…Every day is a new challenge,” he said. “Every day you learn something new. Every day we’re building something different. It’s exciting and it’s a lot of fun. I love my job.”

His advice for someone looking to become a construction craft worker is to build relationships; be accountable; be teachable and take initiative; and find your craft and work hard.

“Reach out to a local union or get in touch with Skilled Trades Ontario,” he said. “They should be able to find you sponsorship and get you enrolled in the training.”

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.

Riverbank Pictures filmed the series at locations across Ontario including the Greater Toronto Area, Vaughan, Hamilton, Waterdown, Sudbury, the Niagara region, the Caledon area, the Kitchener area and Collingwood.

Those interested can stream Trading Skills across Canada on TVOkids Digital platforms including m, The and Smart TV services.