Why More Canadians are Considering Careers in Skilled Trades

Considering the Trades

Written by Chris Reynolds, Director of Marketing at Classic Fire + Life Safety

Hold onto your hardhats – the skilled trades are making waves in Canada. A recent Leger survey commissioned by Classic Fire + Life Safety reveals some fascinating insights into how Canadians view these essential careers. Here’s what we learned:

Changing perceptions of Skilled Trades

Measuring Up The Trades, an annual study by Classic Fire + Life Safety, shows that 40 per cent of Canadians have considered a career in skilled trades, yet only 13 per cent currently work in the field. Interestingly, over half (52 per cent) of those surveyed think more highly of the trades now than they did a few years ago, and 80 per cent believe there are more opportunities for employment in the field than ever before. These findings suggest that old stereotypes about skilled trades are fading fast.

In fact, 42 per cent of Canadians say they would choose a skilled trades career if they could turn back time, and 78 per cent would encourage their children or others to consider this path.

“In many circles, the trades are the talk of the town,” says Stanley Owah, Talent Acquisition Specialist at Classic Fire + Life Safety. “People are clearly interested in the field, but not enough have taken the plunge. I can tell you from first-hand experience that the benefits are tremendous. It is worth jumping in!”

Shifting attitudes and areas for improvement

Canadian perceptions around skilled trades careers are shifting. Both university graduates and current skilled trades workers are more likely to recognize the value and benefits of careers in the trades than they were just a few years ago. However, despite these positive trends, there is still work to be done to engage younger Canadians (ages 18-34) and address persistent misconceptions.

While 42 per cent of respondents said they would choose a career in the trades if they could turn back the clock, only 32 per cent see these careers as respected. Societal expectations, perceptions of low wages, and a lack of awareness often steer people toward other career choices. Additionally, there is a significant gender disparity – only 31 per cent of women are considering skilled trades careers, compared to 50 per cent of men. Even among young women from multigenerational trades families, this career path is rarely discussed.

Opportunities and partnerships driving change

By collaborating with industry partners and education programs, Classic Fire + Life Safety is playing an active role in shaping the future of these careers. Earlier this year, Classic partnered with Honour the Work, a non-profit organization promoting skilled trades careers.

“Canadians are realizing that these careers are not only in high demand but also financially lucrative and directly correlated to our collective well-being,” says Angela Coldwell, Founder of Honour the Work. “From housing to clean energy and public infrastructure, skilled trades play a vital role. Educators are beginning to introduce these careers earlier, with a growing emphasis on apprenticeships as a viable and rewarding post-secondary path.”

Aligning with youth values

The upcoming generation has values that align closely with the skilled trades. These careers are making tangible impacts on issues like the affordable housing crisis, the green energy transition, and the need for updated infrastructure. For young workers, it’s important to highlight that skilled trades not only offer well-paying, hands-on work and opportunities for entrepreneurship, but they are also a powerful force for good in Canada and around the world.

The reality of skilled trades careers

The study also sheds light on Canadians’ perceptions of skilled trades jobs:

  • 62 per cent believe the pay is good
  • 47 per cent see these careers as stable
  • 45 per cent recognize opportunities for small business development

This positive shift in perception aligns with Classic’s multi-year recruitment efforts, which have seen the company grow its team of fire alarm technicians and sprinkler fitters to over 400 employees across 12 branch locations. Through job postings, trade fairs, and partnerships with educational institutions, Classic continues to attract skilled professionals.

Investing in the future

Classic’s dedication to its employees and the industry is clear. From participating in career fairs at schools like Seneca College and Fanshawe College to offering internships and co-op programs, the company actively invests in the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

“Our employees know we will invest in them, grow their careers, and show everyone equal respect,” says Owah. “We train, we introduce new opportunities, and we support professional and personal development. The word gets out, and more candidates want to join us.”

Building awareness and educating the public

This new data highlights the need for greater public awareness about the wide range of roles and responsibilities within skilled trades careers. When respondents were asked to identify the most valuable trades, electrical, construction, plumbing, and carpentry were among the top choices. However, the ‘construction trade’ umbrella encompasses many specialized roles. Educating Canadians about these opportunities is essential for helping people find the right path for them.

Equipping K-12 educators and guidance counselors with the right resources and hands-on experiences will be crucial in helping students recognize how their skills, interests, and talents align with diverse opportunities in the trades. With shifting parental attitudes and ongoing initiatives to broaden interest in the industry, there is a unique opportunity to introduce these rewarding careers to more young Canadians than ever.

The path forward

While it is encouraging to see that more Canadians are open to careers in the trades, many of our shared hopes for the future depend on the next generation finding their place in this workforce. We must show parents and students the many paths to advancement, the innovations in technology and safety, and the diverse workers who have found their passion in the industry.

The fact remains that skilled trades offer the answer many young Canadians are looking for. With continued outreach and education, we can bridge the gap and ensure a bright future for the industry and the individuals who power it.

For the full findings of the Measuring Up The Trades study, visit classicfls.com/measureup.


About Classic Fire + Life Safety

Classic Fire + Life Safety is a total fire and life safety company servicing the needs of organizations and institutions – large and small, private and public. The group of companies under the umbrella of Classic Fire + Life Safety is now staffed by more than 1,000 professionals who, together, are committed to helping organizations enjoy a safe environment where they can grow and offer their products and services to their customers and partners. Classic Fire + Life Safety owns and operates Apex, a fire sprinkler fabrication and supply company, and Northern Sprinkler Design, a fire sprinkler design and engineering services company and Edge Fire Protection, a full-service fire protection contractor serving customers throughout Southern and Atlantic United States.