DESPITE THE SUDDEN INTEREST IN TRADES PROGRAMS AND OFTEN REGISTRATION

• Construction offers careers for electricians, carpenters, plumbers, steamfitters/pipefitters, welders, heavy equipment operators and painters.

• Transportation relies on automotive service technicians, heavy-duty equipment technicians, motorcycle technicians and more.

• Manufacturing and Industrial includes automotive, product manufacturing and the resource extraction and processing industries, as well as tool and die makers, industrial mechanics (millwrights) and metal fabricators.

• The Services sector relies on cooks, bakers, hairstylists, landscape horticulturists and others.

• Information and Digital Technology skills are central to many trades, including instrumentation and control technicians, machinists and crane operators.

Szautner explains that SAIT offers education in 30 trades programs, and all of them are experiencing a boost in registration. “Where we are seeing great demand is in the motive power trades, where demand is high for automotive service technicians, heavy equipment technicians, auto body technicians and mobile crane operators.

“In the construction sector we are see demand in carpentry, pipe trades and refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic and electrician. In manufacturing we are seeing high demand for welders, industrial mechanics and machinists.”

At SAIT and all over, a key reason for the increased demand for trades courses and programs is a combination of increased economic activity, and retirements.

It is a contemporary no-brainer that technology is an essential must-have for most skilled trade careers. It is vital, often critical, for most trades to be up-to-date and current. Training experts emphasize that, when a person completes an apprenticeship program and becomes a journeyperson, their learning does not end. Rather, it is often the launching point for more learning.

The transportation sector is a perfect example,” he says. “New technology comes out every year, which automotive service technicians need to learn. This is furthered with the electrification of automobiles and other zero emission technology being incorporated into automobiles.”

Despite the sudden interest in trades programs and often registration waiting lists, qualifying to be a skilled trade –especially in Alberta – is not a guaranteed or limitless land of opportunity.

While the federal and provincial governments have intensified efforts to attract people to the skilled trades, with special emphasis on youth, women and people from underrepresented communities, in practical terms, the path to becoming a certified tradesperson, alias “journeyperson,” has speedbumps. Confusing options, mixed messaging such as programs or organizations touting job placements not actually connected to apprenticeships, difficulty getting support with apprenticeship possibilities, and the realties of some – fewer than before – employer reluctance to take a chance and hire new and gung-ho apprentices can be a frustrating obstacle.

All things considered, the outlook – and the possibilities – for skilled trades is encouraging and strong. Training programs for the skilled trades are shorter and more affordable allowing individuals to begin a career faster and graduate with less accumulated debt.

Traditional academic programs are four years while on average trade programs are two years, allowing students to begin a career in half the time. There are many apprenticeship programs that offer on-the-job training that give individuals the opportunity to get paid while learning their trade.

The stats are undisputable. There are more job openings than there are skilled tradespeople to fill them.