What are Skilled Trades
A skilled trade is a career path that requires hands-on work and specialty knowledge. Skilled trades workers build and maintain infrastructure like our homes, schools, hospitals, roads, farms and parks. They keep industries running and perform many services we rely on every day, like hairstyling, food preparation or social services.
Benefits of a career in the skilled trades include:
- in-demand jobs and great earning potential
- using cutting-edge technology
- being paid while you learn on-the-job
- many paths to advance
- transferable skills
Learn a skilled trade through OYAP! To see what Concentrated OYAP programs are offered at HDSB and HCDSB, visit the OYAP page or talk with your guidance counsellor. For questions about apprenticeship and more information please contact Wade Richardson HDSB coordinator or Judy Brydges HCDSB coordinator.
Non-Apprenticeable Skilled Trades
There are hundreds of skilled trades that do not require an apprenticeship.
Exploring Apprenticeship & Skilled Trades, Experiential Learning in High School
Learn about the experiences a student will learn in a high school technological class.
SKILLED TRADES A CAREER
By 2025, 40% of all jobs will be in the skilled trades.
With 144 apprenticeable trades and hundreds more that are non-apprenticeable, the sky is the limit when it comes to exploring the trades as a potential career path. Skilled Trades people often are also business owners, supervisors and teachers. Explore the many skilled trades and what they have to offer.
SKILLED TRADES HAVE NO GENDER
Women currently make up 48% of the Canadian workforce, but they only comprise roughly 4% of the skilled trades.
The demand for women tradespeople has been climbing steadily. Women are needed in the skilled trades and are valued the same as men.