Skilled Trades

The following profiles provide specific information on individual trades. However, all trades have some things in common.

For instance, the pay structure is usually an hourly rate of pay versus piecework, and most workers are employed by contractors versus being self-employed. Some contractors will require you to work as a sub-contractor or sub-trade. (You can learn how to create your own business by visiting Canada Revenue Agency.)

Most trades work 35 to 40 hours a week, often in shifts. There is potential for overtime hours to increase your earning. Many trades work on a project-to-project basis and frequently travel long distances from job to job. Employment is seasonal, and employment prospects change with the economic climate.

Experienced tradespeople may advance to supervisory positions such as foreman and construction superintendent. With experience and additional training, you can move onto positions like estimator, inspector or foreman.

If being your own boss is important, you could become self-employed. Like most careers in the construction industry, your skills are portable. If you want to relocate, you can take your skills with you.

Work can be inside or outside, subjecting you to severe weather and loud noises. Bending and stooping repeatedly is often required, as is lifting heavy objects.

To be successful in most of the trades, you will need competent communication skills, manual dexterity, good colour vision, analytic skills, an understanding of math and science, and the ability to read blueprints.

Workers require their own transportation because new homes are often constructed in non-serviced areas.

Self-Rating

• Do you have good hand-eye co-ordination, some artistic ability, and enjoy working with different types of hand tools?
• Do you enjoy working outdoors in various weather conditions?
• Can you plan and organize tasks and manage your time effectively?
• Can you stand on your feet for long periods?
• Are you in good physical condition?
• Do you enjoy working in a hectic team environment, sometimes working overtime or weekends to get the job done just right?
• Do you have an aptitude for mathematics in order to calculate angles and dimensions?
• Are you comfortable on ladders?