Trades leader calls for stronger worksite culture to support London's growing workforce needs

KAWARTHA LAKES, ON, January 24, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Tania-Joy Bartlett, Master Electrician, former contracting business owner, and workplace safety advocate, is using her recent spotlight interview to raise awareness about the urgent need for safer, more respectful worksites. Drawing on decades of experience in the trades, Bartlett argues that culture, not just training, will determine whether the next generation enters — and stays — in skilled work.

Canada is facing a growing shortage of tradespeople, particularly in construction, electrical work, and infrastructure maintenance. According to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the industry will need over 225,000 additional workers by 2027 to meet demand. At the same time, surveys show that younger workers are more likely to leave roles where they feel unsafe, unheard, or disrespected.

"People don't walk away from the work itself," Bartlett says. "They walk away from how they're treated while doing it."

Safety and Respect as Practical Solutions
In her interview, Bartlett explains that safety and respect are not abstract values. They are daily practices that directly affect productivity and retention. She recalls worksites where simple changes — such as daily check-ins and clear communication — reduced mistakes and tension within days.

"I've seen crews go from scattered to focused just because they finally felt comfortable speaking up," she says. "When people feel respected, they stop hiding problems."

Research supports this view. The Health and Safety Executive reports that poor workplace culture contributes to higher accident rates, with construction accounting for one of the highest proportions of fatal injuries at work. Studies also show that respectful workplaces report hazards earlier, reducing serious incidents.

Why This Matters for Cities
Dense urban worksites operate under constant pressure. Tight schedules, diverse teams, and public scrutiny increase risk when standards slip. Bartlett notes that leadership becomes most visible during these moments.

"When pressure goes up, that's when culture shows," she says. "You either protect people, or you push them until something breaks."

She argues that improving worksite culture is one of the fastest ways to stabilise the workforce and attract younger talent.

A Call to Individual Action
Rather than calling for large policy changes, Bartlett encourages individuals to take responsibility where they are:

Supervisors can model calm, clear communication

Workers can speak up early about hazards

Employers can remove toxic behaviour immediately

Mentors can guide rather than intimidate

Parents and educators can present the trades as skilled, respected careers

"You don't need a new rulebook," Bartlett says. "You need people willing to treat each other properly every day."

Tania-Joy Bartlett is a Master Electrician and former owner of contracting businesses known for prioritising safety, quality, and inclusive worksite practices. She has received more than 25 community awards for leadership and volunteer work, including recognition for mentoring young people and promoting careers in the trades. She continues to speak publicly about workplace culture, safety, and skills development.

Read the full story here: https://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/531103/tania-joy-bartlett-highlights-safety-and-respect-as-keys-to-solving-the-skills-gap

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