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Lots of us grow up with a narrow awareness of all the possible careers in the world. Is there anything left for us if we don’t want to be a computer programmer, police officer, pilot, nurse, lawyer, fireman, or doctor? Most of the other careers seem fuzzy and undefined.

Well, there is a whole swath of careers that promise stability, growth, and satisfaction. Look no further than the trades.

Want a highly competitive salary? It’s the trades.

Want job security, even in economic downturns? It’s the trades again.

With low tuition for most programs due to paid training on the job and salaries that grow quickly, trades training—especially in BC—has continued to prove its value. Skilled tradespeople are in high demand to fill well-paying jobs and build rewarding careers.

This demand will only increase as the Government of Canada estimates that around 700,000 skilled trades workers in Canada will retire by 2028. Combine that fact with Canada’s continued economic growth and the demand will be even higher.

Not only will employers be looking for skilled tradespeople, they’ll be offering highly competitive salaries and benefits to attract them. Industries are looking for a diverse workforce to fill jobs in safety-focused, professional environments. 

1. The High Demand for Skilled Trades

The demand for skilled tradespeople in BC is at an all-time high. BC Labour Market estimates 156,000 job openings in skilled trades and related jobs by 2033. Not to mention, the expanding construction industry and an increasing need for trades services specifically in the Okanagan Region.

Economic factors also play a crucial role in this demand. As BC continues to expand and modernize, the need for skilled tradespeople to build, repair, and maintain essential structures and systems becomes increasingly critical. This surge in demand translates to numerous job opportunities for those trained in trades.

2.  Competitive Salaries and Benefits

We have good news. Attractive salaries aren’t just for the keyboard jockeys willing to be trapped behind a computer writing code all day. One of the most compelling reasons to consider a career in trades is the potential for high earnings.

On average, tradespeople in B.C. earn competitive salaries that often surpass those in many other professions. Electricians, plumbers, and carpenters are just a few tradespeople that enjoy substantial incomes—with the added potential for extra earnings through overtime and specialized skills. The average annual salary for a Red Seal tradesperson in Canada is $111,500.

Beyond attractive salaries, many trades careers can come with robust benefits packages, including health and wellness perks and retirement plans.

3.  Job Security, Career Advancement & Opportunities

Job security is another big advantage that comes with the trades. Since skilled tradespeople are always needed, even during economic downturns, job security is much higher than many other careers.

The trades also offer great opportunities for career advancement. Starting as an apprentice, individuals can progress to become journeypersons, supervisors and project managers, mastering their trade along the way.  Each stage of this progression comes with increased responsibilities, higher pay, and greater job satisfaction.

Many tradespeople also become entrepreneurs and start their own businesses. They create their own job opportunities, set their rates, set their schedules, and choose their own projects.

Owning a business provides independence, flexibility, and the potential for even greater financial rewards. By starting their own businesses, tradespeople can also contribute to their communities by creating jobs and supporting local economies.

4. Flexibility and Variety in Work

A career in trades offers flexibility and variety. Tradespeople can choose from a wide range of specialties and work environments. Whether it's working on construction sites, in shops or manufacturing facilities, or moving off the tools and into a project management role or becoming an instructor, the options are wide open.

Flexibility in work hours and locations is another advantage. Tradespeople often have greater options when it comes to their working hours and schedules. This could range from working 10 hour days four times a week, to having a rotating schedule of 2 weeks on and 1 week off.

In more senior roles, they’ll often be able to set their schedules and decide to take on projects that align with their interests and availability. This flexibility allows for a better work-life balance and the opportunity to explore different challenges and work settings.

Examples of Career Paths In the Trades

Skilled trades offer a dynamic career choice with high demand in various fields. With over 300 recognized trades in Canada, the potential for growth is substantial. Among these, 54 can earn a  designation. 

There are 5 big sectors that skilled tradespeople typically fall into:

Construction

The construction industry in Canada, valued in the billions, provides numerous high-demand career opportunities. Key trades in this sector include electricians, carpenters, plumbers, steamfitters/pipefitters, welders, refrigeration and air conditioner mechanics, heavy equipment operators, and painters. These professionals are vital in constructing and maintaining the essential infrastructure of our communities and contribute to the greening of our buildings with sustainable building practices

The career growth rate for both Electricians and Plumbers in the Thompson-Okanagan Region is higher than anywhere else in BC, at 1.4% annually.

Transportation

The transportation sector encompasses the maintenance and repair of various vehicles, from cars and motorcycles to trucks and heavy equipment to planes and helicopters. Trades such as aircraft maintenance technicians, automotive service and collision repair technicians, heavy-duty equipment technicians, RV and motorcycle technicians play a crucial role in ensuring vehicle safety and functionality.

The Thompson-Okanagan region has the highest projected employment growth rates in BC for Automotive Service, Collision, and Heavy Duty Equipment repairers.

Job growth for Refrigeration and A/C Repairers is at 1.3% annually in the Thompson-Okanagan Region (the highest in growth rate for this industry in all of BC).

Manufacturing and Industrial

This sector covers careers across multiple manufacturing industries, including automotive parts and vehicle manufacturing, product manufacturing, and resource extraction and processing. Trades in this sector include welders, sheet metal workers, tool and die makers, industrial mechanics (millwrights), and metal fabricators, who are essential in the creation and maintenance of machinery and products.

Thompson-Okanagan region has the 2nd fastest growing demand for labourers in metal fabrication in BC.

Services

The services sector is a significant part of the Canadian economy, featuring trades such as cooks, bakers, hair stylists, and landscape horticulturists. These trades offer a variety of work environments, from restaurants and salons to outdoor settings.

WorkBC expects to see 9,000 new positions for cooks open up across the province over the next 10 years.

Information and Digital Technology

Information and digital technology are integral to many trades, including roles like instrumentation and control technicians and machinists. These positions involve working with advanced technologies and machinery, making them crucial in contemporary industrial operations.

Conclusion

Trades training in BC is a smart career move for those seeking stability, growth, and job satisfaction. With high demand, competitive salaries, hands-on training, and numerous career advancement opportunities, the benefits are clear.

ÎüʪÊÓƵ’s trades programs offer an excellent starting point for anyone looking to embark on a rewarding career in trades. and start exploring your options today. Take the first step towards a bright future in the skilled trades.