Why Skilled Trades? Skilled Trades in Ontario, Canada

Skilled Trades are not only in high demand but also one of the lucrative careers. If you love hands-on experience, it may be the best career option for you. Skilled trades are not known only for men but also for women too. Many women are now getting involved in acquiring skilled trades. If you want to become a skilled trades, the following information may help.

There are 156 different skilled trades in Ontario.

Construction:

• Brick & Stone Mason
• Crane Operator
• General Carpenter
• Powerline Technician
• Electrician
• Plumber

Industrial:

• Blacksmith

• Cabinetmaker

• CNC Programmer

• Draftsperson

• Facilities Technician

• General Machinist

  Motive Power

• Auto Body Repairer

• Auto Service Technician

• Marine Engine Technician

• Motive Power Machinist

• Small Engine Technician

• Truck & Coach Technician

Service

• Arborist
• Chef
• Child & Youth Worker
• Goldsmith
• Horticultural Technician
• IT Network Technician

Visit Ontario Colleges website to read more about skilled trades.

Minimum requirements

To be eligible, you must:

• Plan to live outside the province of Quebec (Note: The province of Quebec selects its own skilled workers. If you plan on living in Quebec, see Quebec-selected skilled trade workers for more information),
• Meet the required levels in English or French for each language ability (speaking, reading, writing and listening),
• Have at least two years of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time work experience)* in a skilled trade within the five years before you apply,
• Meet the job requirements for that skilled trade as set out in the National Occupational Classification (NOC), except for needing a certificate of qualification, and
• Have an offer of full-time employment for a total period of at least one ** or a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.***

Find more information about your eligibility in skilled trades on Government of Canada website cic.gc.ca here
Find more information about careers in trades at Careersintrades.ca

Why you need to consider a career in skilled trades?

According to Conference Board of Canada survey, Canada is experiencing a shortage of skilled trade labor. Skilled trades are considered high-paying jobs and in-demand in the workforce. Yes, we get it that it won’t make you look cool because you won’t be wearing a fancy black coat with a tie and fancy name for a job title, but hey! Skilled tradespeople get high-paying salary. It is reported that many skilled tradespeople often earn $60,000 or more for entry-level positions as industrial electricians, pipefitters and powerline technicians and will continue to earn more up to six-figures with more experience and advancement (Ontario Colleges). Other benefits of a skilled trade program are students can learn from skilled and experienced tradespeople. They can earn while doing apprenticeship training or co-ops and complete a college education at the same time.

Skilled trades are booming

Skilled trades are in high demand in Canada. According to a survey by Skills Canada in 2012 that, “ 98 percent of Canadians reported using the services of a skilled tradesperson at least once in two months,” (Ontario Colleges). As a matter of fact, it is predicted that 40 percent of all occupations will be in skilled trades by 2025 according to Ontario Colleges website. Sure, to fill the gap in this industry, Canada needs more people in skilled trades. This shows that skilled trades are as important as any other jobs that help our day to day lives keep moving.

Source:
ontariocolleges.ca