What Are Skilled Trades?
Photo courtesy of RV Pro Magazine
Skilled trades imply working with your hands, not tied to a desk and often working outdoors. There are many benefits and facts about working in the skilled trades not commonly known.
Why choose a career in the skilled trades sector?
- Availability of apprenticeships where an individual learns first hand from a professional while working on the job
- Combination of in-school and on-the-job training approach maximizes learning in real world situations
- Work and skill-specific training where graduates immediately secure jobs
- Better starting wages compared to non-trade starting jobs with better long term earning potential
- Involves a high degree of diagnostic and problem solving skills while working under pressure
- Research from Statistics Canada reported that between 2000 and 2011, the average weekly wages of full-time workers aged 25 to 34 with trades certificates grew by 14%, while bachelor degree holders saw their wage growth slow to 1%.
- On February 4, 2015, Government of Canada announced a new Canada Apprentice loan offering interest-free loans to help registered apprentices with the cost of their training. Apprentices registered in a Red Seal trade apprenticeship can apply for interest-free loans up to $4,000 per period of technical training. Interest charges and repayment of the Canada Apprentice Loan will not begin until after loan recipients complete or terminate their apprenticeship training program.
- There are financial incentives for apprentices who complete various stages within an apprenticeship program for a designated Red Seal trade.
- Proven job satisfaction and security