In hands that craft and minds that dream,
Lies the power to build, to shape, to gleam.
With tools in hand and hearts so bold,
Young artisans, your stories unfold.In every nail, in every beam,
A future bright, a vibrant theme.
Skilled trades, a path so true,
The world awaits the work you do.So rise, young builders, welders, and more,
Your skills will open every door.
In trades, you’ll find your passion’s call,
Creating wonders, standing tall.~ Momma Braga
Canada is facing a significant labor shortage, with the federal government predicting that around 700,000 skilled trade workers will retire by 2028. To address this gap, the new live-action TVOkids Original series Trading Skills is here to inspire the next generation.
Being in the construction industry for the last seven years, I have seen first-hand the decline in trades. It truly has been heartbreaking to see untap skills that are not being explored. This is why we are excited to see this series take flight!
Synopsis
The new TVOKids Original live-action series Trading Skills lets kids at home explore the
vibrant and rewarding world of skilled trades. From ironworking and construction to baking and
hairstyling, two dynamic kid hosts Akeylah James and Brody Agmon provide viewers with an
exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the variety of interesting and potentially lucrative trade jobs that
kids could consider for their future. Journey with our hosts as they take audiences to meet the
energetic, dedicated people behind each skill, realize the scope of the interesting trades that exist,
and get inspired to consider a career path unthought of – until now. Produced by Riverbank Pictures.
The new live-action TVOKids Original series Trading Skills gives kids at home a
sneak peek at the wide variety of fun, interesting skilled trades jobs they might consider for their
future – from ironworking and construction to baking and hairstyling.
Catch Trading Skills 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 will also premiere on TVO at 4:05 p.m. ET on the same day.
Trading Skills is designed to introduce kids aged six to nine to the diverse world of skilled trades,” says producer Francis Mitchell of Riverbank Pictures. “We want to spark their interest and show them the incredible opportunities these careers offer.
Crafting Futures: A Journey Through Skilled Trades with Akeyah and Brody
We have been waiting for a series like this for years and we are SO excited for this launch on October 15th, 2024. We got a sneak peek in advance on one of the episodes and we absolutley loved it!
In their special workshop, young hosts Akeylah James and Brody Agmon (who are amazing by the way!) embark on a journey to discover a new skilled trade in each episode. They connect with passionate tradespeople, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into their expertise through engaging interviews and hands-on activities. Each episode is crafted to captivate young audiences, showcasing trades from the hosts’ unique perspectives.
“With the ongoing discussions about the skills gap in Ontario and beyond, we aimed to create a series that highlights the amazing opportunities in skilled trades,” says Kirsten Hurd, Commissioning Editor at TVOkids. “We hope it inspires kids to explore careers they might not have considered before!”
#MelAndNikkiReview
The series spans a diverse array 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 arborist. The Trading Skills team has made a heartfelt effort to feature a diverse group of tradespeople, ensuring kids see themselves represented on screen. For instance, auto service technician Nhu Nguyen is the only female in the world with a Porsche Classic certification. In addition, Ironworker Jamie McMillan entered the trade in 2002 when women made up just 2% of the workforce in Canada and the U.S. The series also highlights Tammy Maki, a renowned Indigenous pastry chef.
This series is a celebration of diversity and passion, inspiring young viewers to see the beauty and potential in skilled trades. They get a raving review from us at Momma Braga as we believe a series like this has been long overdue.
Filmed across Ontario, Trading Skills shines a spotlight on the province’s 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 funded by 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.
About Riverbank Pictures
Riverbank Pictures specializes in dynamic kids content, unscripted food/travel series, and long-form scripted projects. Led by producers David and Francis Mitchell and writer/director Johnny Mitchell, this family-run business has received multiple nominations for best non-fiction kids series at the Canadian Screen Awards. Their hit preschool crafting series, Curious Crafting, aired on TVO and ABC Australia. Trading Skills premieres on TVOkids in October 2024.
About TVO Media Education Group
TVO Media Education Group inspires learning that changes lives and enriches communities. Founded in 1970, TVO is a globally recognized digital learning organization that engages Ontarians of all ages with inclusive experiences and diverse perspectives. Through brands like TVO Today, TVO Docs, TVO Learn, TVO ILC, and TVOkids, TVO invests in the transformative potential of education for everyone. TVO is a registered charity funded by the Province of Ontario and supported by thousands of sponsors and donors. Visit TVO.me for more information. Stream TVO on your favorite device. — Follow TVO: X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube — This new series is set to inspire and educate the next generation about the exciting world of skilled trades, helping to bridge the labor market gap and ignite interest in these vital careers.
Don’t miss the premiere of Trading Skills on October 15th! I know we will be watching!
Until next time…Happy Parenting!
~ Momma Braga
