Why Start a
Career in the Trades?
Are you looking for a rewarding career with great employment prospects? A career in the residential construction industry offers opportunities in a range of different areas, whether you are interested in designing, working with people, problem solving or being primarily on job sites, the options are plentiful! And some of the most in-demand jobs in Canada are in the construction industry!
Want to know where to start, what is on offer, how to get hired and more. Visit CHBA’s website for everything you need.
Trade professionals are in HIGH demand!
People need a home, and with the growing population, more and more houses are being built. And the construction and sale of one new home can involve over 35 different careers!
- There are currently 6500 registered builders in Ontario building 80,000 homes
- Projections are that we will need 150,000 homes per year for the next ten years.
- That means we need to double home building output.
- We can’t double output without doubling our trades and that means opportunity for each of you!
- Women entering the industry is at an all-time high
The Trades Offer
More Than you Think
It is more than bricks and mortar or a hammer and nails. It’s physical, mathematical, scientific, boundary pushing, innovative, and necessary.
There are jobs in the industry that one could take on right out of high school – but the available opportunities increase with education – options include Apprenticeship, College or University Educations. Many skilled tradespeople take their careers to the top, opening their own businesses.
Did You Know?
Over 20% of construction works are set to retire over the next decade!
Opportunity, Freedom, Mobility & Flexibility
Careers in the skilled trades offer tremendous opportunity across the country, with great freedom of mobility, job security and competitive pay!
- Competitive pay with excellent average salaries - Skilled construction tradesmen can often earn higher starting salaries than the average college or university graduate.
- Growth potential in skilled trades and professional career paths.
- Great benefits and often the flexibility to set your own hours and be your own boss.
- The work impacts our society in many ways and it’s likely we’ll always need trade workers such as plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and more.
- Ontario’s construction industry is projected to grow over the next decades, driven by numerous new infrastructure and utilities projects.
- Increasing needs in the residential sector include plenty of home building opportunities and even more renovation work!
- A career in the trades doesn’t mean you have to work with tools. There are a variety jobs, such as supplier representatives, municipal employees, and utility representatives, who are necessary to complete a new home.
Diversity
And Inclusion
Did you know that the construction industry is one of the biggest employers of Indigenous people in Canada? The Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) program can help you get training or upgrade your skills while also assisting you in finding a job that is in high demand.
New Canadians are choosing to enter the skilled trades. Some are learning the professions for the first time, while others are continuing to work in rewarding trades careers that they learned before coming to Canada.
Find out more about the Canadian government’s Federal Skilled Trades Program for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents based on being qualified in a skilled trade.
Women In
Construction
Societal norms and inclusiveness in the construction industry are shifting! There has never been more support, resources, educational programs, grants and opportunities for success for women.
Careers in Construction off high incomes, job opportunities, sense of pride and satisfaction, opportunity to develop your skills, and many leadership opportunities for women!
Find more support and information here:
- Ontario Colleges
- Support Ontario Youth
- CHBA - Inspiring Women in the Residential Construction
- Check out these 5 Myths about the Skilled Trades
- CAF-FCA’S Professional Development Programs
How To Get
Started
There are several diverse ways you can start a career in residential construction from apprenticeships to short courses to post secondary education. Keep in mind that education and training are provincial responsibilities, so the details may vary from one province to another.
- Apprenticeships
- Post Secondary Education
- Short Courses
- Hands-on Experience
There are then two primary categories of job opportunities for skilled tradespeople. You can work for a trade contractor or directly for a new home builder or renovation contractor.