Skilled Trades Career Guide

Careers in the Skilled Trades are in high demand. Use this guide to learn more about the industry, or to learn how to hatch a student or entry level job in the Skilled Trades.

Considering a career in Skilled Trades?

Skilled Trades offer students and grads limitless opportunities for growth and success. There is a wide variety of roles within the industry, from the carpentry to plumbing to welding, which means student and grads heading into Skilled Trades can pursue a path that fits their unique interests.

Key skills:

  • Creativity
  • Adaptability
  • Communication
  • Problem-solving
Average Starting Salaries: Skilled Trades
Pro Tip
"Skilled Trades occupations offer great salaries and a lot of flexibility for young people."

Resources

TalentEgg’s All-Inclusive Guide To An Apprenticeship In Skilled Trades: What You Need To Know

If you're pursuing a career in the Skilled Trades, an apprenticeship will supplement your certification training. Find out everything about on-the-job training, including how to find a journeyperson to work with.

Selecting A Skilled Trade? Here Are 7 Things To Keep In Mind

It can be challenging to choose a Skilled Trade that's right for you. Here are seven tips to consider when deciding on your career.

10 Jobs You Didn’t Know Were Skilled Trades

Take a look at ten jobs you may not have realized are actually Skilled Trades! These careers include Landscapers, Chefs, Childcare Workers, and more.

Interested In Going Green? Here Are 5 In-Demand Skilled Trades Careers

Environmental initiatives are creating career opportunities for people in the Skilled Trades. Take a look at five in-demand jobs in this field.
Average Starting Salaries: Skilled Trades 2016

In honour of #TechnologyWeek, here are the Average Starting Salaries for entry-level jobs in the Skilled Trades.

Canadian Tax Returns: Tips For Skilled Tradespersons

We have some great tax-filing tips for skilled tradespersons – take a look!
Exploring Aboriginal Employment Initiatives In Canada Through The Trades Industry

Skilled trades are in high demand – the Industry Training Authority (ITA) has put a program in place to help Aboriginal professionals find great careers in this field. Read on to find out more!
Investigating Skilled Trades in the Digital Age

Social media and new technology are revolutionizing the skilled trades industry. How, you ask? Read and find out!
A 4-Step Guide: What You Need To Do To Start Your Skilled Trades Career

The technical skills learned through a trades job can be incredibly rewarding. Here's a handy guide for how to start your career!

A Beginner's Guide: What Is A Skilled Trade, And Is It Right For Me?

New to the world of skilled trades? We have the full "101" – read on!
9 Skilled Trades Careers That Students Should Consider

For those of you unfamiliar with the different types of skilled trades out there, we've decided to highlight 9 of the most popular and currently in-demand skilled trades. Check it out!
Average Salaries - Skilled Trades 2015

Find out what the Average Starting Salaries are for some of the most popular careers in skilled trades.
What Is The Career Path Of An Oil Rig Worker?

Becoming an oil rig tradesperson offers great opportunities for advancement in a skilled, in-demand field.

Skilled Tradespeople Are Key To Success At Molson Coors

Andrea Tomlin knows all about working at Molson Coors. She stresses how crucial skilled tradespeople are to operations.
5 Skills Found In Successful Skilled Trades Professionals

Check out which 5 skills you should be sure to develop during your professional years.
Competition Encourages Gen Y To Hatch Skilled Trades Careers

Article on the only skills competition in Canada - Skills Canada National Competition and it's importance.
4 Reasons To Hatch A Career In The Skilled Trades Industry

A skilled trades career brings tons of career opportunities – learn more!
Who To Follow On Twitter: Skilled Trades 2014 Edition

Interested in the skilled trades industry? Here's who to follow on Twitter to stay informed of industry news and trends.

A High-Performance Career At Vale's Long Harbour Processing Plant

A Processing Plant Technician, Junior Mechanical Maintenance Engineer and recruiter shed light on Vale's new High Performance Work System.
Test Out A Trade In A Pre-Apprenticeship Program

If you're considering a career in the skilled trades but aren't quite ready to dive headfirst into an apprenticeship, consider trying a pre-apprenticeship program first.
FAQs About Machinist Jobs And Apprenticeships

Learn more about how to become a Machinist, what it's like to work as one and more.
Starting Your Career As An HVAC Mechanic Or Technician

"A Career in the Skilled Trades: Being and HVAC Professional", discusses the job profile of an HVAC technician, what benefits are associated with this type of work and what steps students can take if interested in becoming an HVAC professional.
FAQs About Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Jobs

Heavy Duty Equipment Technicians diagnose, repair and maintain a variety of heavy duty vehicles.
Study Tips For The Certificate Of Qualification Electrician Licensing Exam

Earning a passing grade on the C of Q exam is one of the biggest challenges for aspiring Electricians.
6 Tips That Will Help You Get An Apprenticeship

Finding a supportive employer who’s willing to sponsor you is often the hardest part of becoming a skilled tradesperson.
How Lambton College Prepares Students For Careers In The Oil And Gas Industry

Lambton College prepares students for careers in the oil and gas industry, and is recognized worldwide as a specialized training institution.
5 Common Entry Level Petroleum Industry Jobs And Their Salaries

The petroleum industry will likely offer plenty of job opportunities in the future.

Calling All Young Women: Are You Canada’s Next Female Skilled Trade Apprentice?

The number of women in apprenticeships in construction, automotive and industry trades is typically less than 3%.
Apprenticeships: A College Alternative

An apprenticeship offers a less expensive alternative to a college degree while allowing students to pursue a lucrative career path.
A Conversation With An Electrical Apprentice

Wes Vahrmeyer is a fifth-term Electrical Apprentice working in the construction and maintenance field.
Who To Follow On Twitter: Skilled Trades Edition

Skilled Trades is definitely not one of the most active industries on Twitter, but there are a few employers and organizations that are must-follows if you're looking to stay connected to the industry.
Average Starting Salaries for Entry Level Skilled Trades Jobs

According to Statistics Canada, employees in the trades earn an average hourly wage that is 6% higher than other occupations.
Everything Young Skilled Tradespeople Need To Know About The Red Seal Program

Skilled tradespeople who expect to work in one or more province or territory in Canada should pursue a Red Seal endorsement.
Skilled Trades Grants, Tax Credits And Deductions For Apprentices

Apprentices may receive up to $4,000 to pay off tuition, travel expenses, tools or other expenses related to their training.
Why Are There So Few Women Working In Skilled Trades?

Why are there so few women in skilled trades and how can we overcome this negative trend?
Not Just Metal And Machines - Cooking Is A Skilled Trade Too

Aamir Hussain is a George Brown Culinary Management grad and a Cook at Oliver & Bonacini’s Canteen in Toronto.
How New Graduates Can Shift Toward A Career In Skilled Trades

By pursuing a job in skilled trades, you may be presented with more career opportunities, better pay and a rewarding new career with the fulfillment and respect that you deserve.
The Rising Demand for Skilled Labour

In the next 20 years, 40% of new jobs in Canada will be in skilled trades and technologies.
Increased Energy Demand And A Labour Shortage Means Lucrative Career Opportunities In Oil And Gas

Today there are an estimated 500,000 people working in the Canadian petroleum industry, and jobs in oil and gas are projected to increase over the next five to 10 years as energy demands increase and older workers retire.
The Mining Industry Needs Young Workers From All Backgrounds

With a 40% retirement rate and new deposits being discovered regularly, thousands of additional workers will be needed each year by mining employers to meet anticipated Canadian production targets to the year 2016.
Throw Away Those Lemons, There's A Labour Shortage Coming

The National Post's Financial Post Magazine published an article last Friday entitled, Help desperately wanted. The article highlights that with all the focus on the "Doom and Gloom" news, we seem to have forgotten a very important issue: there's a labour shortage coming.
Recent Grads Are The Silver Lining

If your network of family and friends is anything like mine, it has undoubtedly been affected by the current economic situation. While catching up with family over the holidays, I've heard a handful of stories from some who have already been laid off an...