Skilled Trades Blog

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We have always known that there are misconceptions about the skilled trades floating around out there. That's why we've been working so hard to bust those myths that are so common. Today, the Independent Contractors and Businesses Associations (ICBA) released a study showing that 59% of young people aren't aware of how to get into the trades because of common misconceptions.

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Not everyone is handy. And even the handiest people out there need help from the experts. When you have home maintenance issues that are over your head, you need a licensed, proven service provider to  solve your problem. Where would we be without those helpful skilled trades people who make our daily lives easier?

At the rate we're going — we may find out.

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You've completed your gas technician license, you submitted your resume and you got an interview — congratulations! You are one step closer to getting a rewarding career in the skilled trades.

We know interviews can be intimidating — especially if it is your first since graduating high school or the first since you've decided to pursue a second career. But, if you are properly prepared, the interview process can be easy, and soon, you'll be working in the job you've been waiting for.

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Despite Canada's shortage of skilled trades workers (some have even called it a crisis), people seem to overlook the value in a skilled trades education and career. In fact, the common misconception is that skilled trades people couldn't cut it in a traditional post-secondary education. As we've said before, that is simply untrue. If you were to ask a university graduate to fix a furnace, they would be completely out of their depth. So why is the value of the skilled trades so often overlooked?

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When the media covers the Skilled Trades, we get excited to share it with you. This week, MacLean's Magazine put the spotlight on the skilled trades jobs in Canada. They're busting the same myths we've been talking about, making sure readers understand that although the trades have long been dismissed as a career path for those who aren't 'book smart,' the trades are, in fact, complex, technical and rewarding.

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Having the right education, skills and certification is essential to get a rewarding career in the skilled trades. But there is one more tool you need to show employers that you are the right choice — your resume. A good resume highlights your relevant skills, experience, education and value to your potential employer, boosting your chances of getting an interview and ultimately, the job. There are some basic principle to to follow when writing your resume — here are some tips to get you noticed by your next employer.

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Once you successfully complete your gas technician 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!

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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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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?