Not sure what you want to study? You're not alone, and you've got more options now than ever. Plenty of students still choose the four-year undergrad degree route, and may go on to further studies. The skilled trades offer another path: one where you learn by doing, working to build and maintain the critical infrastructure that keeps our modern world moving. No small task!

What are the skilled trades?

In short, the trades represent a group of fields and career paths where you learn primarily on-the-job, working with your hands on real-world projects and tasks. Roughly 1 in 5 employed Canadians is in the skilled trades! You're probably familiar with some of the "classic" skilled trades, like:

• plumber
• electrician
• carpenter

But there are lots of trades out there! In fact, the Government of Canada lists over 300 trades at time of writing, with over 50 of these representing Red Seal trades (more on Red Seals below). Here are a few you might not even have realized are skilled trades:

• hairstylist
• sprinkler fitter
• automotive mechanic

Trades are regulated by Canada's provinces and territories, while the federal government oversees supports for apprentices and employers. Most trades require several years of on-the-job training, and some in-class learning, before you're fully qualified.

Though the work may differ, the trades have this in common: you learn from people working in the field, and you start growing your skills on your very first day.

How do the trades typically work for new students?

Depending on your skill level, you may need a bit of training first: many colleges in Canada offer "pre-trades" or "fundamentals" programs to help you develop the basic skills needed for your trade.

Finding an apprenticeship

Once you've got some baseline skills, you'll become an "apprentice" to a "journeyman" who's already working in the trade. As an apprentice, you'll work on-site alongside your journeyman, learning the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the trade.

Finding an apprenticeship position is up to you. You can try Canada's Job Bank, or start contacting local businesses in the trade that interests you. If you've taken a pre-trades / fundamentals program at a college, staff there may also have leads on apprenticeship opportunities.

Required in-class training

Though most of your education will take place on-the-job, you'll also have occasional classroom time — a few weeks here, a few weeks there — as you level up and earn certification.

Classroom time typically takes place at a local college, and you need to be a registered apprentice to enroll. These programs are specifically meant for apprentices, not general students.

As an example, Ontario requires a total of 7,200 hours logged to qualify as a Carpenter. Of those 7,200 hours, 720, or 10%, must be in-class. The rest is on-site, practical training.

Moving up from apprenticeship

Once you have the skills, and you've logged all the hours required by your province for your trade, you'll graduate to the role of journeyman yourself, and can even begin training new apprentices!

Why consider pursuing a trade?

The trades may appeal to some people more than others, but it's worth a look for any student thinking about their future. Here are five reasons you might consider a career in the skilled trades:

1. Earn money while you learn

When you sign on as an apprentice, you earn a wage. It won't be as much as the journeyman makes — but you'll get there eventually. Still, collecting a paycheque for a day's work feels great — especially compared to your university compatriots, who are paying to attend school and probably working part-time on the side. As an apprentice, your education IS your job.

2. Develop your skills while making money

The flip side is also true: as you earn money working your trade, you'll also be improving your skills. By working with a practicing journeyman, you have a skilled professional at your side. You can ask questions, observe their techniques, and get advice. This kind of mentorship role is invaluable, especially early in your career. You'll be learning, and building a strong, career-focused network.

3. Beat the bots: become AI-proof

Artificial intelligence (AI) has dominated the conversation around work for the last few years, and while automation may impact some trades more than others, the skills and technical expertise you'll develop as a tradesperson will stay with you — much of what you learn will be transferable to different projects and situations.

It will be a good while before AI can reliably attend a service call in an apartment or business!

4. Work for a company or for yourself

Once you become a practicing journeyman yourself, you'll have the freedom to choose where you want to work. Many tradespeople have steady, stable jobs, while others prefer the entrepreneurial approach, launching their own businesses.

Another benefit: trades jobs are local. You'll be working in and around your own community, making your job less susceptible to global economic trends. After all, you can't work as a plumber from overseas!

5. Get financial support

You can expect to receive some financial support as an apprentice, too. There are interest-free loans, incentive grants, and employers who take on apprentices may be eligible for investments.

Some scholarships and bursaries are open to tradespeople, too!

What is a Red Seal, and why might I want one?

About one-third of all the trades are so-called "Red Seal trades," meaning that a tradesperson with a Red Seal is eligible to work in any part of Canada.

Because trades are regulated at the provincial / territorial level, you may only be certified in the place you trained. With a Red Seal, you can legally practice your trade anywhere in the country!

You may want to pursue a Red Seal if you're eager to take up job opportunities wherever they arise. Red Seal exams are a good way to sharpen your knowledge, regardless: you can even check out this list of Red Seal self-exams if you're considering a Red Seal trade.

Which trades are in highest demand?

According to the Government of Canada, the country needs over 250,000 new apprentices in the coming years just to meet demand. That's over 250,000 opportunities for you to explore opportunities in the trades! Here are the five highest-demand Red Seal trades in the coming years:

• Cook
• Industrial electrician
• Industrial mechanic (millwright)
• Painter and decorator
• Welder

This is a cross-country sample, drawn from data collected in 2021/2022. Different regions have different in-demand trades, so check out Canada.ca's skilled trades section for regional breakdowns.

So, what's next? Give the skilled trades a look if you're wondering about your next steps. Canada's in need of skilled tradespeople, and the skills you learn for one trade may be applicable to another, meaning you'll be employable across a range of companies and industries.

Curious on where to start? Check out Skills Canada, a national organization dedicated to empowering newcomers in the trades.

You can find the full list of 54 Red Seal trades here, too, if you're trying to decide what you want to pursue. You'll find info on essential skills, sample exams, and a full breakdown on required training, licensing, and more, for each Red Seal trade.

And if you're really not sure what your path should be, why not try the Career Quiz?

Good luck on your journey in the skilled trades!