More than half cite good pay offered with skilled trade opportunities: survey
While the skilled trades have faced stigma in the past, those perceptions could be improving.
That’s because 78% of Canadians say they would encourage their children (or others) to consider a career in the trades.
Why? Maybe because 80% believe there are more options for employment than before, and 52% regard the desirability or benefits of careers in trades more highly compared to a few years ago.
Another 42% say they would choose it as a career if they could turn back the clock, found the survey released by Classic Fire + Life Safety report.
“In many circles, the trades are the talk of the town,” says Stanley Owah, Talent Acquisition Specialist at Classic Fire + Life Safety. “People are clearly interested in the field, but not enough have taken the plunge. I can tell you from first-hand experience that the benefits are tremendous. It is worth jumping in.”
In addition, 62% of Canadians say that good pay is to be had with skilled trades, while 47% cite the job stability, found the survey.
Educators are also starting to introduce the skilled trades at an earlier stage, peaking at high school,” says Angela Coldwell, founder of Honour the Work.
“The old thinking was that post-secondary education meant attending college or university. But that’s not the whole picture. Apprenticeship is a growing third form of post-secondary education leading to great STEM careers for Canadians who learn and work their head and hands, simultaneously.”
Several provinces – including Ontario and Alberta – have put a focus on attracting more workers to the skilled trades.
Negative perceptions of skilled trades
Skilled trades continue to face labour shortages as Canadians are reluctant to join the field, according to a recent report.
Overall, just 40% of Canadians have considered a career in the trades, according to a report from Classic Fire + Life Safety.
And only 13% are currently in the trades, based on a national survey in September based on 1,626 Canadians.
“Canadians have a clear appreciation for the skilled trades and understanding of the benefits that come with employment in these areas, yet the industry is still underrepresented in terms of employment numbers,” says Classic Fire + Life Safety.
While 96% of Canadians agree that the country's workforce needs more skilled trades workers, 76% say they would never pursue a skilled trade for themselves, according to a previous 3M Canada report.
Just 42% of high school students or younger have considered skilled trades as a career path, and the number drops to 35% among college-aged Canadians, according to Classic Fire + Life Safety.
And while half (50%) of male respondents have considered the trades, just 31% of female respondents have done the same.
What are the benefits of skilled trades?
Amir Ismail, international immigrations strategist, says that the following are the benefits of joining the skilled trades:
- Financial stability - “Skilled trades workers often command salaries that are significantly higher than those in many other occupations. For example, a plumber in Canada can earn upwards of $40 per hour.”
- Personal satisfaction - “The hands-on nature of skilled trades allows individuals to tangibly see the results of their efforts, which can be immensely rewarding.”
- Opportunities for Growth - “With experience and additional training, tradespeople can rise through the ranks to become supervisors or even business owners. This growth potential is especially appealing to those interested in entrepreneurship or leadership roles within the industry.”
