Did you know there are over 140 trades and that one in five job openings are projected to be in the skilled trades by 2026?
A career in skilled trades can be a great choice, whether you’re just starting out or looking for a change. It can offer good pay and stability, as well as being a stable and fulfilling line of work.
What is a Skilled Trade?
Skilled trades involve hands-on work and specialized trades training in Ontario. Individuals working in skilled trades are responsible for constructing and maintaining various structures and infrastructure, including homes, schools, hospitals, roads, farms, and parks. They also play a crucial role in keeping various industries running and providing essential services that are relied upon daily.
Let’s explore the benefits of becoming a skilled tradesperson:
1. Having A Stable and Meaningful Career
The trades industry provides job security for local workers as the nature of the work cannot be easily outsourced. Unlike other professions, skilled trades require a physical presence and cannot be done remotely.
In contrast, outsourcing is a significant concern for many Canadian workers and businesses, with the government and technology industry alone spending billions on outsourced services. Choosing a career in the trades industry means not having to worry about job outsourcing.
2. Quickly Transitioning from School to Career
One of the major advantages of entering the skilled trades industry is the short amount of time it takes to start your career after completing your education. Skilled trade training in Ontario can range from as little as six months to two years, while university degrees can take four to six years to complete.
At the Finishing Trades Institute of Ontario (FTI), for example, apprenticeships programs as a Glazier, Painter and Decorator, and Industrial Painter usually range between 6,000 to 8,000 hours. This means that by choosing a skilled trade career, you can join the workforce much sooner and without the financial burden of a longer education. And it’s worth noting that completing a university program does not guarantee a job, so it’s worth considering a skilled trade as an option.
3. The High Demand for Skilled Trades
You’ve likely noticed the many new buildings and high-rises being constructed throughout the city you live in. In fact, employment in the construction industry in Ontario increased by 3.7 per cent in 2021.
This constant development creates a high demand for skilled tradespeople, especially those trained in painting and glazing work, to help bring these projects to fruition. As the demand for housing continues to rise, the need for skilled trades workers also continues to increase.
Start Your Trade Training in Ontario Today
FTI Ontario offers a variety of rewarding apprenticeship programs to get you on the track for trade training in Ontario. Are you interested in pursuing a career in skilled trades? Learn more about our programs here.
