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Category: Trades

  • Trades in Western Canada and How to Get Started: Alberta and British Columbia

    Trades in Western Canada and How to Get Started: Alberta and British Columbia

    Do you live in Alberta or British Columbia and dream of a career in the Trades? Maybe you don’t know much about careers in the trades but want to learn more? Figuring out your career path all starts with interest and curiosity; this leads to trying new things and learning more about different types of careers. Working in the trades can mean anything from being a professional baker to a welder in the oil sands.  One thing all trades have in common is their never-ending learning curve.  In a trade career, the learning never stops- there are always new challenges.

    So, you’ve decided you want to learn more about the different types of careers in the trades industry; what now? Your guidance counselor can give you some direction if you have an idea of what particular trade you want to explore, but you should check out these great Alberta and BC online resources, first:

    Alberta:

    Trade Secrets- Apprenticeship and Industry Training

    http://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-occupations/trades-occupations-list/

    This is a great website to look through if you want to explore all the types of trades offered in Alberta. It lists the registered trades in alphabetical order so you can find them easily. The registered trades that are listed are recognized all across Canada. This site gives you general information about how to seek financial assistance for programs, apprenticeships, and how to become an experienced and successful trade worker.

    British Columbia:

    ITA- Industry Training Authority- BC

    http://www.itabc.ca/youth/trades/

    This is a great website. It allows you to explore different trades and the apprenticeship programs offered in BC. You can search all the trades listed, or search through categories like: Fixer, Outdoorist, Artisan, Builder, Operator and Analyzer. By separating the trades into categories, you can decide whether you are more attracted to being a builder (very physical) or if you want to work outside in nature (agriculture), for example. The site has tips on how to get started and how you can gain an apprenticeship and have an employer sponsor you.

    Great thought and preparation goes into choosing a career path. Always make sure you have all the information you need in order to make an informed decision about your career. Ask your guidance counselor for advice along with exploring these great resources!

    Sources:

    http://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-occupations/trades-occupations-list/

    http://www.itabc.ca/youth/trades/

  • Sub-Trade and Sub-Contractor

    Sub-Trade and Sub-Contractor

    Any construction project, including renovations and maintenance, will involve many different trades. You need an electrician, a plumber, a roofer, a painter. Who is going to manage all these people?

    Typically, the owner of the property under construction hires a general contractor. This individual or company is responsible for hiring, coordinating, and supervising sub-contractors (also called specialty trade contractors and sub-trade contractors). In other words, the general contractor sub-contracts out work to other tradespeople.

    Sub-contractors perform specific work on one aspect of the construction project, such as the electrical wiring or the painting. A sub-trade is thus the trade a particular sub-contractor specializes in.

    Note that the terms “sub-trade” and “sub-contractor” are more relevant in construction projects because of the involvement of a general contractor. Without a general contractor, there is no need for the term sub-contractor.

    For example, an electrician working on a construction project is considered a sub-contractor, but the same person working outside of a construction project would not be called a sub-contractor, just an electrician.

    It follows then that any construction-related trade could be a sub-trade. These activities begin from the initial preparation of the property for construction to foundational work to the actual building.

    References:

    http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/page/4875/

    https://www.ic.gc.ca/app/scr/sbms/sbb/cis/definition.html?code=238&lang=eng

  • Skilled Trades Schools in Western Canada: Part 1

    Skilled Trades Schools in Western Canada: Part 1

    Western Canada comprises four provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. There are many skilled trades schools in Western Canada that one article cannot cover them all. This article will feature two schools per province, with information on which skilled trades are taught at those schools.

    In Alberta:

     Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

    The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology offers pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs in over 30 skilled trades, including auto body technician, baker, bricklayer, cook, ironworker, materials technician, plumber, and welder. This school also offers online apprenticeship learning, where theoretical learning is completed online instead of in-class.

    Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

    The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology’s School of Trades offers diploma programs, certificate programs, and apprenticeship programs. Examples of skilled trades students of this school may undertake include auto body technician, boilermaker, carpenter, gasfitter, ironworker, painter, plumber, roofer, and welder.

    In British Columbia:

    British Columbia Institute of Technology

    The British Columbia Institute of Technology offers a long list of trades and apprenticeship programs. The 96 programs encompass trades in four categories: construction, electrical, mechanical, and transportation. Construction programs include boilermaker, carpenter, construction craft worker, gasfitter, plumber, and welder. Electrical programs include industrial electrician, telecommunications technician, and wireless communications technician. Mechanical programs include machinist, millwright, and refrigeration mechanic. Transportation programs include aircraft gas turbine technician, automotive service technician, and railway conductor.

    University of the Fraser Valley

    The University of the Fraser Valley offers a shorter list of programs than the British Columbia Institute of Technology, but it includes offerings like agriculture and horticulture, architectural drafting, culinary arts, and hospitality event planning. Both schools offer programs in automotive service, plumbing, and welding.

    In Manitoba:

    Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology

    The Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology offers 9 skilled trade programs: auto mechanics, carpentry, industrial welding, motorsport technician, graphic and print technician, electrical applications, industrial electronics, millwright, and computer-aided design technician.

    Red River College

    Red River College offers programs in four categories of skilled trades: industrial, transportation, construction, and service. Industrial skilled trades programs available include boilermaker, machinist, and tool and die maker. Transportation skilled trades programs available diesel engine mechanic, motor vehicle mechanic, and railway car technician. Construction skilled trades programs available include bricklayer, carpenter, plumber, roofer, and steamfitter. Service skilled trades programs available include cook and landscape technician.

    In Saskatchewan:

    Saskatchewan Polytechnic

    Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s technical training programs allow you to complete the theory portion of 20 skilled trades in four cities: Regina, Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert. Programs available include agricultural machinery technician, cook, ironworker, plumber, refrigeration mechanic, and steel fabricator.

    Regina Trades & Skills Centre

    The Regina Trades & Skills Centre offers a limited number of adult courses. Currently, only three are available: plumbing, culinary arts, and parts technician. More courses may be added in the future. The website advises potential students to check back regularly for new information.

    If you don’t see your skilled trade of interest listed in the school descriptions above, head over to the school’s website for the entire list of programs ( or check our school database in the Education tab of JPD). You might see your program there. Stay tuned for part 2 of this series of articles on schools in Western Canada offering skilled trades programs!

    References:

    http://www.sait.ca/programs-and-courses/apprenticeships-and-trades/apprenticeships.php

    http://www.sait.ca/programs-and-courses/apprenticeships-and-trades.php

    http://www.nait.ca/35971.htm

    http://www.bcit.ca/path/trades/programs/

    https://www.ufv.ca/trades/find-your-trade/

    http://mitt.ca/programs/post-secondary-programs?studyoptionname=Post+Secondary&IsSearch=True&aoi=96&regiontypeid=1&chkstudytypes=90&chkstudytypes=83

    http://www.rrc.ca/index.php?pid=5699

    http://saskpolytech.ca/programs-and-courses/browse-programs/apprenticeship/

    http://rtsc.org/index.php/programs/current-courses

  • Pros and Cons of Apprenticeship

    Pros and Cons of Apprenticeship

    If you are interested in becoming a skilled tradesperson in Canada, apprenticeship is a necessary step. This period of training allows you to gain the skills you need and consists mostly of learning on the job with some theory coursework. Before you undertake this career choice, make sure you read up on the pros and cons of the apprenticeship:

    What are the pros of an apprenticeship?

    The ability to earn while you learn

    Pursuing a college or university education can mean heavy student loans and little or no income from a part-time job; an apprenticeship allows you to earn money while you learn. From a financial standpoint, an apprenticeship wins over other means of post-secondary education. Where else will you be paid to learn?

    Greater networking opportunities

    The majority of your apprenticeship time will be spent working in the industry. This means you have opportunities every day to interact with prospective future clients, employers and coworkers. The earlier in your career that you make these professional connections, the better your career prospects will be.

    What are the cons of apprenticeship?

    A potentially steep learning curve at first

    When you start your apprenticeship, you are basically diving into the deep end. Your mentor has their own work responsibilities and pressures on top of training and looking after you, the apprentice. Do not expect a lot of coddling. The learning curve may be steep, but how you react and handle yourself will make an impression—either positive or negative—on your mentor.

    Length of apprenticeship too long

    The length of your apprenticeship depends on the skilled trade you are learning, but the training can take anywhere between 2 to 5 years. Apprenticeship is not a faster option than college or university. The time commitment per year may be greater for apprentices who work for roughly 10 months per year in addition to 6 to 8 weeks of in-class training. In colleges and universities, students typically attend school for 8 months per year.

    Now that you have looked over the pros and cons of apprenticeship, you may have a better idea of the career path you are considering. If you have questions, look through the references for this article for more information.

    References:

    http://www.careersintrades.ca/whats-an-apprenticeship/

    http://www.trade-schools.ca/programs/skilled-trades-schools.asp

    http://www.canadagovernmentgrants.org/blog/small-business-2/the-pros-and-cons-of-apprenticeships/

    http://www.careersintrades.ca/whats-an-apprenticeship/

  • Which Skilled Trades are Most in Demand in Canada?

    Which Skilled Trades are Most in Demand in Canada?

    The skilled trade industry in Canada could be facing a shortage of skilled tradespeople, especially as the Baby Boomer generation retires . This shortage may apply to all the hundreds of skilled trades, but below are some of the most in demand trades.

    Industrial Technician

    Canadian Business lists industrial technician as one of the best jobs in 2015. According to the article, this role experienced a 17% increase in salary and a 19% increase in employment growth from 2008 to 2014. The role of the industrial technician can focus on either the manufacturing process or the individual machines and equipment necessary for manufacturing.

    Truck and Diesel Mechanics

    Huffington Post describes truck and diesel mechanics as one of the jobs that trended upwards most in 2015. The number of job postings for this trade increased 80% in 2014-2015. These individuals inspect and repair all vehicles with a diesel engine, such as buses and trucks. It is also worthwhile to note that the more general role of mechanic experienced a similar growth of 64% in the same amount of time.

    Tool and Die Makers

    Huffington Post lists tool and die makers as another job that trended upwards most in 2015. The number of job postings for this trade increased a whopping 305% in 2014-2015. Tool and Die makers professionals create and repair special tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and gauges. The vast majority of tool and die makers work in the manufacturing industry, manufacturing transportation equipment, machinery, and fabricated metal products.

    If you are considering a career in the skilled trades, you have many to choose from. You should choose a trade based on your personal interests—but it is smart to look at which ones are most in demand.  This article describes three that are currently in high demand.

    References:

    http://www.careersintrades.ca/why-the-trades/

    http://www.canadianbusiness.com/lists-and-rankings/best-jobs/2015-industrial-technician/

    http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/12/23/most-in-demand-jobs-canada-2015_n_8807024.html

    http://www.truity.com/career-profile/diesel-service-technician-or-mechanic

    http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/qc/job_futures/statistics/7232.shtml

  • Tips for Utilizing Your Business Skills in the Trades

    Tips for Utilizing Your Business Skills in the Trades

    As the trade industry in Canada continues to thrive, more and more people, especially the youth, are grabbing opportunities to get their foot in the door through trade programs and apprenticeships.

    However, while both of these will prepare them with the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful in their chosen trade, there is one skill that can be incredibly useful as well—a skill that most people assume is irrelevant in the trade industry: entrepreneurial skills. Below are some tips on how to smartly utilize your business skills in the trade industry:

    Allow yourself to be driven by personal goal.

    The most successful entrepreneurs have been driven by their desire to achieve their set goals, primarily to establish a business of their own and become their own boss. While tradespeople may work for employers, they can follow the entrepreneurial attitude of defining a clear goal of being the best they can possibly be. This means that while they can draw inspiration and support from their peers, at the end of the day, they can measure the quality of their performance against their own standards, and not anyone else’s.

     Be smart about money.

    Entrepreneurs succeed because they know finances like the back of their hand. They have a great way of determining assets and liabilities, and they have a remarkable ability of balancing their books—even when their own bookkeepers can’t. This is something that tradespeople can use as well since it is definitely a big boost if they can estimate costs right off the bat and they can read when cost-cutting measures are necessary and where exactly they can be applied.

    Learn how to be independent.

    Most entrepreneurs have a team of go-to people around them—from executive assistants to accountants, from publicists to lawyers. However, for the most part, their ideas are their own, and while they rely on said professionals, they can always manage on their own if circumstances call for it. In the trades industry, while you have your colleagues and your employers, you must learn to stand on your own two feet and tackle your projects head-on as an individual spirit.

    Manage risks and failures gracefully.

    Entrepreneurs know about risks and failures all too well. Apart from having a general ideal of what challenges they might come across when they start their own business, they do have to prepare a business plan that includes a market feasibility study. However, even when they clearly understand their return of investment studies, they still take risks. This is something that tradespeople can also apply as they may also face difficulties as they try to succeed in their respective fields. The trick is to learn how to cope with such things well and if they do encounter failures along the way that they learn how to get back on their feet.

    Now that you know how business skills matter in the trades, are you prepared to apply your business savvy as you enter into the trades? Just keep these pointers in mind, and you will succeed in your efforts.

    Sources:

    http://www.tradeready.ca/2013/fittskills-refresher/the-attitude-heart-of-an-entrepreneur-spirit-of-a-leader/

    http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/2013/05/08/skills-knowledge-of-major-importance-in-trades

    http://talentegg.ca/incubator/2014/03/10/5-traits-found-in-successful-skilled-trades-professionals/

  • Skilled Trades and Apprenticeships in Ontario

    Skilled Trades and Apprenticeships in Ontario

    The Ontario College of Trades lists 156 skilled trades. They can be divided into four major categories: Construction, Industrial, Motive Power, and Service. The following lists examples of skilled trades in each of these categories.

    Construction

    Bricklayer AKA brick and stone mason

    Construction boilermaker

    Drywall finisher and plasterer

    Electrician

    General Carpenter

    Glazier AKA architectural glass and metal technician

    Hazardous materials worker

    Plumber

    Powerline technician

    Refrigeration and air conditioning systems Mechanic

    Roofer

    Steamfitter

    Tilesetter AKA terrazzo, tile, and marble setter

    Industrial

    Cabinetmaker

    Elevating devices mechanic

    General machinist

    Industrial electrician

    Locksmith

    Optics technician AKA lens and prism maker

    Packaging machine mechanic

    Precision metal fabricator

    Railway car technician

    Tool and die maker

    Tractor-trailer commercial driver

    Welder

    Motive Power

    Agricultural equipment technician

    Alignment and brakes technician

    Auto body and collision damage repairer

    Heavy duty equipment technician

    Marine engine technician

    Motorcycle technician AKA motorcycle mechanic

    Tire, wheel, and rim mechanic

    Truck and coach technician AKA truck and transport mechanic

    Turf equipment technician

    Service

    Aboriginal child development practitioner

    Arborist

    Baker

    Chef

    Child and youth worker

    Developmental services worker

    Educational assistant

    Hairstylist

    Horticultural technician AKA landscape horticulturalist

    Micro-electronics manufacturer

    Network cabling specialist

    Parts technician AKA partsperson

    Special events coordinator

    These lists are not comprehensive: for the entire 156 skilled trades, go to http://www.earnwhileyoulearn.ca/156trades. If you are interested in pursuing a skilled trade, the first step is to research the trades that you are interested in. This may involve determining the length of training, costs, funding opportunities and grants, trade-specific requirements, sponsor availability, job prospects, median income, certification requirements, whether you would be self-employed or work for an organization.

    Once you have chosen your desired trade, you need to find a sponsor, which is “a person, group, or organization that takes responsibility for ensuring that you are getting opportunities to learn all of the skills required for you to complete your apprenticeship in accordance with the Ontario College of Trades and Apprenticeship Act, 2009”. During your training, you are considered an apprentice. Upon completion of your apprenticeship and certification in your skilled trade, you are considered a journeyperson and can then take on apprentices of your own.

    Apprenticeships are primarily hands-on learning with little to some classroom learning depending on the trade. They lead to fulfilling and well-compensated careers. Combined with the projected shortage of skilled tradespeople in Ontario, skilled trades is an attractive option for young people and those looking to make a career change.

    References

    1. http://www.earnwhileyoulearn.ca/156trades
    2. http://www.earnwhileyoulearn.ca/#home
    3. http://www.earnwhileyoulearn.ca/faq
  • Benefits of Pursuing a Skilled Trade for Female Workers

    Benefits of Pursuing a Skilled Trade for Female Workers

    In the last article, we explored the challenges for women working in the skilled trades.  It can’t be denied that female skilled workers may face obstacles. But today we are going to examine the reasons why women should pursue the skilled trades.

    Great Pay and Benefits

    The average salary of a skilled worker pays double that of a retail or office position. Not to mention, the employee benefit packages are competitive, as well. Also, there are always opportunities for career growth. For instance, job promotions and free or partially paid education programs for professional development. What’s more, if you take on an apprenticeship, you can earn money while you learn your trade.

    Various Career Options

    You have literally hundreds of career options to choose from.

    Here’s a look at some of the fields you might consider:

    Construction: construction craft worker, mason (bricklayer),

    carpenter, ironworker, heavy equipment/crane operator, etc.

    Industrial: mechanic, draftsperson, electrician, tool and die maker, welder, railway car technician, etc.

    Motive Power  auto-body repairer, agricultural equipment technician, fuel and electrical Systems technician,  automotive painter ,  auto body and collision damage repairer, automotive glass technician, etc.

    Service: hardware, lumber and building materials retailer, horticultural technician, micro electronics manufacturer, utility arborist, etc.

    *See Red Seal Trades, for a complete list of trades that allow you to certify across Canada.

    Skilled Workers in Demand

    In Canada, there is a demand for skilled workers. That means; plenty of employment opportunities.  According to the National Post, it’s predicted that Canada will need one million workers by 2020.

    Canadian Living outlines several in demand occupations, according to Peter Harris, editor-in-chief of Workopolis. Take a look:

    • Construction workers
    • Vehicle repair
    • Maintenance workers
    • Electricians
    • Heavy machine operators

    According to BuildForce Canada, the work force will grow by 42,000 between 2013 and 2021. However, they predict an estimate of 210, 000 workers will be retiring over that same period of time. This is in the construction industry alone.

    Furthermore, women now have access to training programs, apprenticeships, and even scholarships and bursaries.

    Plus, companies are seeing the benefits of hiring female workers. Apart from the obvious shortage of skilled workers:

    “Employers who hire more women report benefits to client relationships and a more inclusive workplace culture, as well as overall improvements to productivity and workplace safety” (Status of Women Canada, 19).

    Career Satisfaction

    Working in the skilled trades offers rewarding challenges, which in turn leads to career satisfaction. Female workers often report higher levels of self-confidence and enjoy the creative and hands-on aspects of the work: “There is great satisfaction in contributing to the infrastructure of one’s community and knowing that the work will stand for many years, even generations, to come” (Apprentice Search, 6).

    Changing Times

    We are seeing a seeing a shift in society’s perceptions and attitudes towards women pursuing careers in the skilled trades. The discrimination women once faced, though it still happens, is slowly diminishing. For instance, women have reported acceptance and equal treatment from younger male colleagues (Working it Out, 30).  If you consider this social change, along with growing training and employment opportunities— there has never been a better time for a woman to pursue a skilled trade.

  • The Pros and Cons of Apprenticeship

    The Pros and Cons of Apprenticeship

    Deciding on an Apprenticeship in the Trades

    Going to college or university isn’t for everyone. You may not be interested in living the student life, or you may prefer working with your hands rather than textbooks.

    Many students decide to go straight into the working world after high school to start their career, and apprenticeships are a great way to do that.

    Apprenticeships let students learn a job while working and earning money.  The experience gained will help you move forward in your career.  But before deciding to pursue an apprenticeship, make sure you do your research so you can make an informed decision by knowing both the pros and cons of working as an apprentice straight out of high school.

    Cons

    While all jobs have some downsides, just as apprenticeships are a different kind of employment, they also have their own specific set of considerations.

    While one of the advantages to apprenticeship is being paid while you learn, you’re not necessarily going to be paid very much.  Minimum wage is common, and you can expect to invest significant time and effort if you want to earn a raise.

    Apprentices, especially when just starting out, may not be acknowledged as a part of the team in the beginning.  This is more likely to come from clients and customers, or professionals from other fields or companies. You will have to work hard to prove yourself and win them over into appreciating your work.

    The relative lack of experience possessed by apprentices means you will likely get the grunt work, boring or repetitive tasks, and messy jobs. But proving you can perform these tasks well will earn you more interesting and challenging work in the future.

    Certain career paths later in life may not be accessible with only an apprenticeship background.  Luckily, a university or college degree is always an option you can pursue later in your career.

    Many social experiences only come with attending a college or university, such as living in a big communal residence, studying with your friends, meeting tons of new people or taking spring break vacations. You will have to decide if you are okay with missing these aspects of young adult life.

    Apprenticeship can be overwhelming at first.  There is a very steep learning curve, with clients, bosses and coworkers all relying on you to perform your work.  Until you learn the basics, this can feel like a daunting task.

    Pros

    Of course, there are many significant advantages to pursuing an apprenticeship as the start to your career.

    Although you start at the bottom, you will get a wide variety of practical experience performing many activities on the job. You will develop a solid grounding in every task, tool and process, which will be the key to your future success.

    Showing your willingness to do the dirty grunt work lets your employer know that you are dedicated and willing to work hard to succeed.  This increases your chances of being hired on permanently when your apprenticeship period is over. It also means you will receive a great reference from your workplace if and when you decide to apply for future jobs.

    Though you may make less than a university or college graduate over the course of your entire career, you will also be starting out earning money immediately after high school, and without being burdened by student debts.  Chances are you will be able to save more money for retirement, afford to buy a house or car, or start a family much sooner and easier than many people who pay for post-secondary education.

    Work in the trades will always be needed.  Tradesmen and tradeswomen build, repair and maintain nearly all the infrastructure our homes, cities and country depend on.

    These are just some basic considerations to think about when deciding on working as an apprentice. As long as you do your research, you can make an informed decision, and get started on a promising career!

    SOURCES:

    https://www.studential.com/university/guides/pros-and-cons-apprenticeships

    https://www.delineo.com/blog/all/pros-cons-apprenticeship-2/

  • Why Does the Economy Affect Certain Jobs in the Trades?

    Why Does the Economy Affect Certain Jobs in the Trades?

    If a job is useful, you would think that it should always be important. People always need electrical work and plumbing in their homes and offices, for example, and experts in this area are always necessary. Working hard can help people in the trades to do well, but often people’s success in these areas can depend on demand and supply.

    A strong economy usually means that people in the trades do well because people buy what the tradespeople make.  For example, when people have money to buy newer or larger houses, for example, they need people to build the houses and to do the electrical work. They need cabinet makers for the kitchens and bathrooms, and they need people to plant trees or bushes and other people to build patios and plant lawns. However, when the economy is doing badly, people have little money for anything new, and tradespeople may have less business. The housing market may turn into a seller’s market, or a buyer’s market. Simply put, if a person is in debt and has no money coming in, they won’t be able to get a mortgage to buy a house.

    Other trades can also suffer when the economy is down. Hairstylists, for example, depend on people having extra money to spend on haircuts, colouring, and other things that they might otherwise do themselves at home.  Some of the more wealthy people might have enough money to spend on extras like manicures or expensive haircuts. However, most people might try to stretch out the time between visits, possibly going once every two months instead of once a month.

    The world economy can also affect the trades through the stock market and international trade. For example, the price of oil depends on many factors, including the amount that each country produces. When the price drops, people working in the oil trades can lose their jobs and be unable to find work until the economy recovers. For example, the low production of oil in Alberta has caused many tradespeople to lose their jobs.

    Despite the possible difficulties in hard economic times, entering into a trade can be a very good decision. People learn many valuable skills that they can use for other jobs, even ones that have little to do with the trades. Knowledge of the trades can also provide people with a bit of extra income if they start their own business.

    People will always need the kinds of skills that workers learn through the trades, but they might not always be able to pay for expert help.  A downturn in one part of the economy could affect almost everything else, and it is important to be flexible.

    If you train as an electrician, for example, you might want to work only on large projects, such as new office buildings. However, you might find that you need to work at a lot of small projects to earn enough money for yourself.

    People often think that the trades are the most stable jobs available, but even they can be affected by the economy. The best thing to do is keep an eye on statistics and trade industry news. If you apply to a trades college, ask the school what the percentage of job placement is. You can also research your desired trade and see how it has progressed over the years in terms of stability and job security.

    Bibliography:

    Belman, Dale. “The Construction Industry and the Economy.” http://www.tauc.org/press/index.cfm?fa=article&id=341.

    Bowness, Suzanne. “Heading back into the work force? Try a trade.” http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/career-advice/why-trades-are-finally-getting-their-due/article15270645/

    Sorenson, Chris and Aaron Hutchins. “How Canada’s economy went from boom to recession so fast.” http://www.macleans.ca/economy/economicanalysis/how-canadas-economy-went-from-boom-to-recession-so-fast/

    Wells, Rachel. “So the economy is booming? Try telling that to traders on Station Street.” http://www.smh.com.au/small-business/trends/so-the-economy-is-booming-try-telling-that-to-traders-on-station-street-20120607-1zz5e.html.