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In our last installment of our Trade School vs. Traditional Education series, we talked about what to look for in the right Ontario trade school. Today, we're exploring exactly what it means when you decide to pursue a career in the skilled trades.

Salary

There are millions of people who work in skilled trades jobs in Canada, and when compared to university and college graduates, they are well-paid. Gas fitters in the GTA and Niagara region are seeing hourly wages up to $35/hour!

The average starting salary for a university graduate is $45,000 a year, but in comparison, the average starting salary of a trade school graduate is around $42,000 a year. Yes, it's slightly lower, but consider the investment you are making in your education. You're attending for a much shorter period of time, therefore spending less and entering the workforce years earlier.

Employment

And don't forget about the job opportunities that are available for licensed skilled trades workers. Currently,  the number of skilled trades job seekers is lower than the number of job vacancies. Companies are having a hard time finding licensed skilled trades people to fill the jobs they have available. And, with an Ontario gas technician certification, you can transfer your license to many other provinces (excluding Quebec) if you want to relocate across the country.

Stability

Work that was once completed in our own backyard is now often being outsourced, but you can't outsource skilled trades labour. Careers in the skilled trades are what makes Canada run. We need gas technicians, plumbers, sheet metal workers, electricians and all the other trades people to build, expand, maintain and repair our homes, neighbourhoods and cities' infrastructure. 

Options

Getting trained in the skilled trades opens up doors to many career options. When you decide to get your gas fitter license, you are not pigeonholing yourself into one specific area of expertise for your entire careers.

For example, with a gas fitter license, you are able to pursue apprenticeship options in areas such as:

• Plumbing
• Sheet metal
• Electrician
• Construction
• And so much more!

Unlike many college and university courses that are very specific in the types of careers your are qualified for, a gas technician is a gateway trade to opportunities you may not even know existed!