Training to improve your career or learn new skills is an exciting but intimidating opportunity. In Ontario, skilled trades are a booming area of employment and can provide a career path that changes lives. There are many myths about skilled trades and skills training which might have you thinking it may not be for you. But learning and having a thriving career is for everyone. Here are our top 5 myths we’ve heard about skills and skilled trades.
Myth 1: Only men can go into skilled trades
This is a big myth that is still around. While men once dominated trades, women are now a strong demographic within the trades. Women work in all of the trades: construction, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and more. Having equal opportunities is important and employers are more inclusive than ever before. With equal capabilities, women and men work side-by-side to learn new skills, grow their careers, and discover new pathways.
Myth 2: Skilled Trades mean you did poorly in school
This is another myth that is commonly said but isn’t true. Skilled Trades don’t mean you did poorly in school or that you are less than another person. For example, there are so many things that are involved in every trade that you may use math, comprehension, and presentation skills all at once. You’ll use many skills that will help bring projects to life. Another exciting thing about working in the trades is that these roles often pay more than jobs that require a university education! So with skilled trades, you’re not ‘settling’. Instead, you’ve recognized that you want to have a career that’s in demand and rewarding.
Myth 3: You can’t go far in Trades
If you ever wanted to be your own boss or climb the ladder, trades may be perfect for you. It is not uncommon to start in one position and then follow a path you never imagined. Many trades have unique positions within them that are important and can build your skill set. For example, you may graduate from construction tech, move into a position as a construction assistant, and in several years be a supervisor or project manager. How far you go is unlimited, powered by your ambitions and hopes for your career.
Myth 4: Once you pick a trade, you’re stuck in that exact role forever
While trades offer specialization, especially when you are just starting out and training, you can also find incredible versatility. Many skilled trades professionals pivot into related fields, become instructors, move into management, start their own businesses, or even combine their trade with other passions (e.g., a welder who becomes a metal artist). The skills are highly transferable and you may find yourself on a brand new path.
Myth 5: The best way to get ahead in a trade is just to work harder than everyone else
While hard work is essential, there is more to skilled trades jobs than just working really hard. What you might not realize is that working in your role is important but a very critical part of your career is continuous learning, networking, and adaptability. When you stay updated with your skills, meet with others in your field and build relationships, and stay open to new technology, your career has a better chance for long-term advancement than only putting in more hours.
Skilled Trades are a great path for those looking for a career with a future and continued learning. It is a dynamic and innovative path that can be very rewarding. Bright minds looking for diverse career paths that embrace new skills and continuous growth can find amazing possibilities. We hope we shed some light on the fulfilling career you could have in skilled trades, where you can build, create, and innovate. If you are ready to move into an exciting career, please talk to Pathways Career College, and we’ll help you get started!