Skilled Trades Blog

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It isn't uncommon for a career in the skilled trades to be considered by people already in the working world. Maybe they are looking for a new, more rewarding career. Maybe it is time to upgrade their skills. Whatever the reason, getting an education is an investment of both time and money, which means going back to school can be a difficult commitment. In order to afford school, you may need to continue working, but in order to make time for school, you may think you need to leave your job. Luckily, there is another solution — night school.

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National Tradesmen (and Women!) Day is approaching next month, and we are getting excited to celebrate our great industry! We have been reminding you quite often that Canada is suffering a severe skilled trades shortage, and we recently came across this article by Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man.

In this article, Steve discusses the decline of people entering trade jobs in Canada and the need to find a solution for the growing shortage of licensed workers. He explore why so few people are seeking careers in the trades and why even fewer stick with them.

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The skilled trades industry is an important part of our society and economy — trades people touch almost every aspect of our daily lives. They build our homes and our cars. They work in manufacturing, mining, oil and gas. Canada is depends on the skilled trades, they keep our country going.

That said, the skilled trades have gotten a bad reputation, and we aren't sure why. With myths like these spreading, it's no wonder Canada is suffering from a severe skilled trades shortage. And so, over the next few weeks, we are going to be exposing myths about the skilled trades and revealing the truth. 

Myth 4: University graduates make more money

This myth goes hand-in-hand with our first busted myth, that university is the only way to be successful. Years of being told that university is the only way to get a successful career has put skilled trades training and careers in a negative light. Don't be fooled by studies showing that university graduates earn more than people without a degree. That only applies to high-demand degrees, and right now, skilled trades are the jobs that are in demand in Canada right now.

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At the beginning of the year, The Skilled Trades Academy was thrilled to be featured in the St. Catharines Standard. In case you missed it, here it is!

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Once you successfully complete your G3 and G2 training and certification, your career options are practically limitless. Your Gas Technician license opens doors to skilled trades career opportunities that you may not have even considered before. In our Career Close-Up series, we'll explore the industry jobs you can choose from to help you prepare for the career you want!

Apprenticeship Opportunities

Once you are a certified gas technician, the doors will open to many career opportunities in the skilled trades industry. The Ontario College of Trades lists more than 100 occupations in multiple sectors of the skilled trades and having your gas technician license is one of the best ways to gain employment as an apprentice into any number of these options.

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If you are looking at entering the Canadian workforce as soon as possible, what better avenue than with a skilled trades certification? We've said it before and we'll say it again, Canada is suffering from a major drought in the skilled trades sector and it's only going to continue. Employers across the country are searching for suitable workers, in fact, one out of every five job postings in Canada targets the skilled trades. So what are you waiting for?

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Niagara and Halton Skilled Trades Academies are proud of all of our graduates and love sharing their stories. Jeff Curtis graduated from the Niagara Skilled Trades Academy in 2004 and now runs his own successful business, Revolution Energy. Jeff and his team of licensed professionals — which currently employs another Niagara Skilled Trades Academy grad — have been providing home comfort solutions to residents in the Niagara Region since 2007.

ESTIMATED READING TIME: 3 MINUTES

The skilled trades industry is an important part of our society and economy — trades people touch almost every aspect of our daily lives. They build our homes and our cars. They work in manufacturing, mining, oil and gas. Canada is depends on the skilled trades, they keep our country going.

That said, the skilled trades have gotten a bad reputation, and we aren't sure why. With myths like these spreading, it's no wonder Canada is suffering from a severe skilled trades shortage. And so, over the next few weeks, we are going to be exposing myths about the skilled trades and revealing the truth. 

Myth 3: Skilled trades jobs are for men

Traditionally, the skilled trades have been an industry dominated by men. Typically, less than 3% of all skilled trades workers are women, but that doesn't mean they don't belong. In fact, with the growing need for trades people, women are getting trained and certified and working alongside men in what have, in the past, been male-dominated fields.

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Training for a second career can be daunting. First, there is the fact that you have to go back to school, which is terrifying in itself after being in the working world for so long. Then there is the time commitment, deciding which career is best for you and, of course, cost.

The cost of second career training in the skilled trades can be the ultimate deciding factor for many. Despite the prospective wage that waits for you upon completion of your skilled trades education, the upfront investment is high, we get that. Luckily there are funding programs available for adult education courses, it's just a matter of being aware of them and applying.

Second Career Funding

The Second Career Funding strategy is run by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. The program pays for the training or education residents of Ontario need to get a better job. It provides financial assistance up to $28,000, or more in some cases.

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In case you missed it, The Skilled Trades Academy made its YouTube debut with a video explaining what we're all about. 

For those considering a career in the HVAC and Gas Technician industries, the Niagara and Halton Skilled Trades Academies offer a variety of courses to learn the skills and achieve the certifications needed for success. We offer programs for those with no experience in the industry as well as for those wishing to upgrade their current licenses and skills.

Check out the video, meet some grads, hear from instructors and see our facility.