Careers in Trade

The demand for skilled trade workers is projected to increase in the coming years, mainly due to a retiring population of Baby Boomers and an educational shift towards preparing students for higher education versus vocational training. In addition, new technology is challenging many industries for specialised workers that can adapt to industry shifts. By 2020, it is estimated that 31 million skilled trade jobs will be left vacant due to a lack of younger employees. Depending on the type of skills you cultivate and where you are based, skilled trades promises a great career path. For instance, you can become an elevator mechanic or repair technician to maintain mechanical systems such as cables, elevators, moving walkways, escalators, etc. Should you decide to be a radiation therapist, you will work closely with medical professionals and patients to administer radiation treatment for cancer. If working with electrical parts is your strong suit, you can train to be an electrician and address issues with electrical systems in a building. Finally, becoming an HVAC (Heating, Venting, and Air Conditioning) technician would involve maintaining and installing heating or cooling units in homes and other buildings.