Skilled Trades Blog

ESTIMATED READING TIME: 3 MINUTES

Close your eyes and imagine a typical skilled tradesperson. We are willing to bet that you are picturing a man in a hard hat, work boots, jeans and a tool belt.

Not many people will picture a skilled tradeswoman, and that's because women only make up 5% of skilled trades workers in nationwide, according to Statistics Canada — and that's with 84% of people working in trades like hairstyling adnd aesthtics being women. So, where are the women in the skilled trades industry jobs?

ESTIMATED READING TIME: 3 MINUTES

We've talked a lot about the myths about skilled trades careers and about how undervalued the trades truly are. For too long, the trades have been considered careers for those who weren't "book smart," but the truth is, skilled trades jobs in Ontario are getting much more technical and require a specialized and valuable training and knowledge to be successful.

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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.

ESTIMATED READING TIME: 3 MINUTES

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?

ESTIMATED READING TIME: 4 MINUTES

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.

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 6: "Skilled trades training takes too long"

When people consider skilled trades educations, there are many paths they can take to reach the same result. Traditional educational facilities can take years, meaning you will be out of the workforce, not making money for a long time. This avenue may require hours as an apprentice before you are fully licensed. The good news is, this isn't the only education option.

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 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.

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 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.

ESTIMATED READING TIME: 4 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.