Skills Ontario debunks five myths about skilled trades

Hiring more women will help close the skills gap in manufacturing.
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WATERLOO, Ont. — Manufacturing growth is being affected by companies that are having trouble filling positions that require skills. Meanwhile outdated misconceptions about working in the skilled trades and technology fields continue.

They represent a significant obstacle that must be overcome to address a serious labour shortage that is projected to worsen over the next decade, says Skills Ontario, which runs programs and initiatives aimed at encouraging young people to consider careers in skilled trades.

“Jobs in the trades and technologies sector offer high pay, good benefits, flexibility, rewarding work, variety and unlimited opportunity,” says Skills Ontario CEO Ian Howcroft. “We need to set the record straight about these positions so that they are viewed as a first option for those preparing to enter the workforce.”

Here are five common myths, misperceptions and inaccurate generalizations about working in the skilled trades and technologies. Feel free to share the realities.

Myth 1: The skilled trades are primarily for people who can’t make it into university or have limited education.

Careers in skilled trades and technology require critical thinking skills and a solid education. Most positions demand a combination of hands-on work and specialty training, which may include post-secondary education and learning on the job through apprenticeships.

Myth 2: Jobs in the trades are dirty and physically demanding.

Many positions in the trades have some element of hands-on work, but technological innovations in recent years have radically transformed how many tasks are performed, making them cleaner and less physically intensive.

Myth 3: Once you take up a trade, you’ll be stuck doing the same job the rest of your career.

There are abundant opportunities to move up the ladder in the skilled trades and technology fields. Apprenticeship training, additional certification courses and other professional development activities open the door to new responsibilities and career options. Many decide to start their own business and hire other tradespeople.

Myth 4: These jobs aren’t suited to women.

There are many opportunities for women in the skilled trades and technology fields, offering high pay, advancement and challenging opportunities. Skills Ontario and its partners have been encouraging more young women to explore these positions through initiatives such as Young Women’s Career Exploration Events throughout the year, plus a Young Women’s Conference every year at the Skills Ontario Competition.

Myth 5: You can’t earn a good living in the trades.

Skilled professionals in Ontario make highly competitive salaries, including opportunities to earn while learning through apprenticeships. Because there is a severe shortage of skilled trade and tech workers across the province, there are plenty of job opportunities in many sectors that pay very well.

Skills Ontario, based in Waterloo, Ont., is funded by the Ontario government.