Skilled Trades Blog

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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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Not long ago, most people thought that all you needed to be a skilled trades person the know-how and a strong back, but the perception is shifting. Everything you look at has been created by someone in the trades, so shouldn't tradespeople get a little more respect? It takes more than the ability to use some tools — Do you have what it takes to join the skilled trades?

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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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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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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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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.

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At Niagara and Halton Skilled Trades Academies, we are proud of all of our graduates and love sharing their stories. Alicia Bowlby attended the Skilled Trades Academy last year and successfully completed the Full Gas Technician course. Here's what she had to say about her experience at the Skilled Trades Academy and being a woman working in the skilled trades industry.

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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 2: Skilled trades jobs are too inconsistent

Based on past norms, people seem to think that skilled trades jobs are seasonal and inconsistent. It is assumed, especially in Ontario where our winters are long and cold, that if you work in the trades, you will be laid off. But, depending on the trade you pursue, you have nothing to worry about.

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At Niagara and Halton Skilled Trades Academies, we are proud of all of our graduates and love sharing their stories. Jeff Maltby attended our Oakville campus from January to May of this year and successfully completed the Full Gas Technician course. Here's what he had to say about her experience at the Halton Skilled Trades Academy and working in the skilled trades industry.