Schools in Canada prime students for Skilled Trades
The shortage of skilled trade labor force in Canada is a growing concern that has been attracting increasing attention from policymakers and industry leaders. The country is currently experiencing a significant shortage of workers in various skilled trades, including carpentry, plumbing, welding, and electrical work, among others. This shortage is expected to worsen in the coming years, as many of the current skilled workers are retiring, and the demand for skilled tradespeople continues to rise.
The shortage of skilled trade labor force in Canada has several causes, including demographic changes, inadequate training opportunities, and insufficient recruitment efforts. Canada’s aging population is a significant factor contributing to the shortage of skilled trade workers. As the baby boomer generation retires, there are fewer young people entering the skilled trades, leading to a significant talent gap.
Additionally, the education and training opportunities for skilled trades are often inadequate, leading to a lack of skilled workers in the workforce. Many young people do not receive adequate training or opportunities to learn the skills necessary to enter the skilled trades, which leads to a shortage of skilled workers in the labor market.
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The shortage of skilled trade labor force has significant implications for Canada’s economy, as it impedes growth and development in many sectors. Construction projects, for example, are often delayed due to a lack of skilled workers, which can have a ripple effect on the entire economy. The lack of skilled tradespeople also results in increased labor costs, as companies must compete for a limited pool of workers.
To address the shortage of skilled trade labor force, various initiatives have been put in place. The federal government has made significant investments in apprenticeship programs and has established partnerships with industry leaders to promote training opportunities. Additionally, the government has introduced immigration programs to attract skilled trade workers from other countries.
Readers who have middle and high school kids enrolled in Canadian schools have experienced priming from teachers. Kids are encouraged to take skilled trade route into business world. Make sense, many would agree, yet parents who are in skilled trades know how hard is to live in Canada on skilled labour wage. Long work hours and even heavy labour does not guarantee good pay in Canada even though that is preached to kids in stools. Promising over 100K pay is “norm”! Students can get to hear of young adults who make more than 300K per year in Canada! Well, this may be the case of one in a million, still this is promoted as the thing of every day earning of new skilled labour force.
Nothing further away from the truth! Skilled labour is indeed needed in Canada, but for a reason! What was in the 80’s, 90’s and perhaps early 2000’s seen as promising income for many, converted to mass abandonment after the recession in 2008. Many electricians, plumbers, carpenters, mechanics, hair dressers, butchers and construction workers left the trades for more lucrative opportunities like real estate.
On of a sudden everyone was selling homes in Canada! Again for a reason! As house prices skyrocketed so the income rose for realtors. To sell a home worth one million Canadian dollars means $40,000 to $50,000 going to selling and buying agent. Many construction workers have to install 100 of windows to have this income, entire luxury home would have to be wired by electrician to earn this amount, and you can imagine how many heads have to be groomed by hair dresser to make $40,000 to $50,000.
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Skilled labour income in Canada
The yearly incomes for electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and other skilled labor in Canada can vary widely depending on factors such as experience, location, and industry. However, here are some approximate average salaries for these skilled trades in Canada:
- Electricians – The average salary for an electrician in Canada is around $63,000 to $78,000 per year, with some experienced electricians earning up to $95,000 per year.
- Plumbers – Plumbers in Canada typically earn an average salary of $60,000 to $75,000 per year, with some experienced plumbers earning up to $90,000 per year.
- Carpenters – The average salary for a carpenter in Canada is around $50,000 to $65,000 per year, with experienced carpenters earning up to $80,000 per year.
- Welders – The average salary for a welder in Canada is around $45,000 to $70,000 per year, with experienced welders earning up to $90,000 per year.
- HVAC Technicians – HVAC technicians in Canada typically earn an average salary of $50,000 to $70,000 per year, with experienced technicians earning up to $95,000 per year.
Earnings that could have excited many students 20 and 30 years ago! Not any more! Top skilled labour earners in Canada could not dream of buying a property or prosper in Canadian high cost of living.
Skilled trades are important especially in the field of construction. As Canadian government decides to open up borders for new immigrants, home prices don’t get any cheaper and new homes are just not built fast enough. A government approach that did not go well in the past. Home prices keep rising as the housing shortage grows. Priming students into skilled trades is perhaps helping the trade industry but is it helping young adult to succeed in this unaffordable age? Probably not!
Perhaps if home prices go back to 90’s or early 2000 rates, skilled trades will be a great choice for many young adults. Until then, skilled trades will be replaced by new realty agents and perhaps inspired YouTubers and TikTokers.
