Skilled Trades: The Basics

In Canada, the skilled trades industry has had steady employment growth since the mid-1990s. It’s an industry that has attracted many unions and has also paved the way for self-employed workers. It is an industry that keeps growing, as there will always be a demand for skilled trade workers.

The average wage for workers in skilled trades is $22.36 per hour, which is twice the amount of the Ontario’s $11.00/hour minimum wage for adult workers. Within the next two decades, 40% of the jobs created will be in skilled trades. This means that employment will be steady, plentiful and secure. As many skilled trades’ workers are unionized, their wages tend to be higher than that of a non-unionized worker.

Ontario, in particular, has been improving the industry by investing more $165 million dollars to support apprentices. The Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities offers plenty of information on how to obtain apprenticeships and educational programs that lead into skilled trades. They also assist in providing loans and grants to individuals who qualify.

With the skills of a tradesperson, you are not limited to one location. You’re free to employ yourself anywhere. Western Canada has a high demand for trade workers and many workers from Ontario move all over Canada and work on contracts through corporations.

The skilled trades industry has great opportunities and flexibility for its employees. It’s an industry that offers great pay, great security and great amount of work now – and in the future.