6 in-demand careers in the skilled trades

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The skilled trades are a great career option for anyone looking for a stable career that pays well and allows you to learn practical skills. There are a wide range of jobs that fall under the trades like Construction and Electrician. But there are also a number of careers that people don’t necessarily think of–like Hairstylist or Baker.

Because of the highly skilled work that tradespeople complete, each trade has its own set of high standards. And those standards can be slightly different from province to province. A Red Seal designation indicated that a tradesperson has met the high standards required to work in any province or territory in Canada.

Even if you don’t have experience with the trades, there are several training and apprenticeship opportunities available to anyone looking to get started. If you’re thinking about starting a career in the skilled trades, here are 6 Red Seal trades that are expected to stay in-demand over the next few years.

If you’re looking for help taking your first step into the trades, we can help. Contact us to today to find out about free employment resources to help you start a new career.

Or sign up to attend an upcoming FREE Careers in the Trades event near you.

Industrial Electrician

Estimated average salary: $77,259 per year

Outlook: 7-8% growth with 1,000-2,000 openings in Ontario between 2017-2021

Description:
Industrial electricians work with industrial electrical equipment. They are responsible for installing, maintaining, and testing equipment like lighting systems, motors, generators, pumps, and electrical systems.

Education:

  • Completion of secondary school
  • Completion of a 4-5 year apprenticeship program or a combination of work experience and education
  • Membership with the Ontario College of Trades

Plumber

Estimated average salary: $64,047 per year

Outlook: 7-8% growth with 2,000-3,000 openings in Ontario between 2017-2021

Description:
Plumbers work with plumbing fixtures and water systems. They are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of equipment and systems related to plumbing. Their work can be found in residential or industrial spaces as well as specialized systems such as agriculture, chemical, water treatment, and hydronics.

Education:

  • Completion of secondary school
  • Completion of a 4-5 year apprenticeship program or a combination of work experience and education
  • Trade certification
  • Membership with the Ontario College of Trades

Automotive Service Technician

Estimated average salary: $53,770 per year

Outlook: 2-3% growth with 6,000-7,000 openings in Ontario between 2017-2021

Description:
Automotive Service Technicians work with cars and light trucks. Their work is primarily focused on performing preventative maintenance or diagnosing and repairing problems with vehicles. Their work connects to every system in a vehicle including, electrical, HVAC, engine, brakes, drive train, and suspension.

Education:

  • Completion of secondary school and training courses or a vocational program
  • Completion of a 4 year automotive apprenticeship program or a combination of work experience education
  • Trade certification
  • Membership with the Ontario College of Trades

Carpenter

Estimated average salary: $49,567 per year

Outlook: 9-10% growth with 7,000-8,000 openings in Ontario between 2017-2021

Description:
Carpenters build, maintain and repair structures made from a range of building materials such as wood, steel, and concrete. Their work can be seen in spaces, including, residential, commercial and industrial spaces. They can work with a wide range of industries including renovation, construction, and property management.

Education:

  • Completion of secondary school
  • Completion of a 3-4 year apprenticeship program or a combination of work experience and education

Cook

Estimated average salary: $32,955 per year

Outlook: 3-4% growth with 6,000-7,000 openings in Ontario between 2017-2021

Description:
Cooks work to prepare food. There are a wide range of industries–from personal chef, fine dining, or industrial food preparation. In addition to food preparation, cooks can also be responsible for planning menus, determining portions, pricing menu items, monitoring and ordering supplies, cleaning and maintaining the orderliness of their kitchen.

Education:

  • Completion of secondary school
  • Completion of a 3 year apprenticeship program or completion of college or other program in cooking or food safety or several years of commercial cooking experience

Hairstylist

Estimated average salary: $28,079 per year

Outlook: 5-6% growth with 4,000-5,000 openings in Ontario between 2017-2021

Description:
Hairstylists work with the hair and scalps of their customers. They can be responsible for shampooing, cutting, styling and chemically treating their client’s hair. They may also be responsible for other aesthetic areas like eyebrows and nails. Hairstylists often work in salons, spas, as well as in industries like fashion and entertainment.

Education:

  • Some secondary school education
  • Completion of a 2-3 year hairstyling apprenticeship program or college program in hairstyling combined with on-the-job training or several years of experience
  • Employers may require hairstyling demonstrations
  • Trade certification
  • Membership with the Ontario College of Trades

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