EXPERIENCES CANADA

Career Choices

Trades and Apprenticeships

• Usually termed a skilled trade, it is a…
• “Career path that requires hands-on work and specialty knowledge”
• “Skilled trades workers build and maintain infrastructure like our homes, schools, hospitals, roads, farms and parks”
• “They keep industries running and perform many services we rely on every day, like hairstyling, food preparation or social services”

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Definition of a ‘trade’

Ice breaker

Get writing utensils out

For the next 60 seconds, try to come up with a list of as many trades/ tradespeople you can come up with. If you’re not sure, write down careers and jobs you think might be trades.

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Three, two, one… GO!

Examples of trades

• Automotive Service Technician
• Baker
• Electric Motor System Technician
• Hair Stylist
• Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
• Heavy Equipment Operator (Excavator)
• Painter and Decorator
• Plumber
• Powerline Technician
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
• Roofer
• Welder
• Tile Setter
• Cook

• Cabinet Maker
• Carpenter
• Construction Electrician
• Industrial Electrician
• Insulator (Heat and Frost)
• Tower Crane Operator
• Metal Fabricator (Fitter)
• Sprinkler Fitter
• And the list goes on!!

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most common trades in canada

benefits of working in a trade

Benefits of a career in the skilled trades include:

• in-demand jobs and great earning potential
• using cutting-edge technology
• being paid while you learn on-the-job
• many paths to advance
• transferable skills

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trades webinar highlights

Major trade areas

• Construction
• Transportation
• Manufacturing and Industrial
• Services
• Information and Digital Technology

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• Multi-billion-dollar industry
• Includes electricians, carpenters, plumbers, steamfitters/pipefitter, welders, heavy equipment operators, and painters, among other trades

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Construction

• Maintenance and repair of vehicles - ranging from automobiles and motorcycles, to trucks and heavy equipment
• Includes automotive service technicians, heavy-duty equipment technicians, motorcycle technicians, and more

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Transportation

• Automotive (parts and vehicle manufacturing), product manufacturing, and the resource extraction and processing industries
• Includes tool and die makers, industrial mechanics (millwrights), metal fabricators, and more

Manufacturing and industrial

services

A major industry in the Canadian economy and includes cooks, bakers, hair stylists, landscape horticulturists, and more

Information and digital technology

• These skills are central to many trades including instrumentation and control technicians, machinists, and crane operator

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What is an apprenticeship

• Apprenticeship allows you to earn money while you learn and is a great path into a career in the skilled trades
• An apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training and classroom learning that leads to a trade credential – or “ticket”
• Once you complete your apprenticeship and receive your ticket, you are qualified to work in a skilled trade
• You can be an apprentice during high school or after you graduate

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How does one join the trades

• Figure out what trade you are interested in
• Find apprenticeship opportunities and get the appropriate training
• Ask your high school if they have apprenticeship programs
• Attain career fairs and network with/contact apprentices in your area
• Research apprenticeship programs and educational institutions
• Find an employer to provide you with on–the-job training and work experience
• Register your training agreement (See the requirements in your province/territory)
• Look for financial aid and grants to support you (there are lots!)
• Get the adequate amount of experience required for your program
• Get certified!

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• We are going to show a series of questions. Keep a tally of your answers.
• If you answer YES, add one (+1) to your tally
• If you answer NO, do not any anything (0) to your tally
• At the end, add up your tallies

Activity - should you consider a career in the trades

Are you fine with getting messy/making a mess?

Do you enjoy being creative or producing creative outcomes?

Do you enjoy working outdoors or in all weathers?

Do you enjoy building and assemblings things?

Do you have an interest in working with machinery?

Do you enjoy serving people and fixing their problems?

Are you curious about how things work?

Are you patient, careful and able to present good work?

Do you want an opportunity to gain skills and make money while building your career?

Do you enjoy working hands-on?

Wrap up

• A career in the the skills trades can be incredibly valuable
• There is a huge demand for certain trades, and not enough skilled people to fill those jobs
• Many programs provide generous financial support, and many apprenticeships allow you to earn money while you learn and develop your skills
• If you are someone who likes working hands-on, serving people, or fixing or creating things, consider the trades!

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