When it comes to forging our careers, we all have our own preferences, skills, talents, and knowledge. Some thrive in environments where numbers are the primary focus, like in finance and investment, while others find their groove in the people-centred roles, whether working in sales, customer service, social work, and human resources. Of course, there are careers for those who favour working with their hands and look forward to physically demanding work.

Careers in the trades are growing in a faster rate than ever before because most of them equal a high earning potential. If you don’t mind exerting physical effort and don’t really see yourself in the confines of an office cubicle, then the trades could be an option for you. Let’s look at some of the careers you can keep in mind.

Construction Manager

If you have an affinity for building and constructing things, look into how to get started in construction management. It’s one of the trades with the highest financial rewards, where you can earn 100k annually, and at the same time, you will see yourself in charge of state-of-the-art real estate developments and infrastructure constructions. You will need a bachelor’s degree or a post-secondary education, and of course, loads of relevant work experience and training under a prominent skilled trades school. In addition, with non-stop construction and development across the country, construction managers will be one of the careers in high demand, with a projected 28,100 openings in the future.

Electrician

With all the buildings under construction, it doesn’t come as a surprise why electricians will be in high demand as well. Buildings, regardless of whether they are for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes, are useless if they lack electricity, after all. To forge ahead as an electrician, you will have to gain foundational knowledge through trade skills and afterwards complete an apprenticeship program, which employers usually provide. Once you earn the title of electrician, you can earn as much as 90,000 per year.

Oil and Gas Driller

Canada is rich in oil and gas resources so it only follows while a career in oil and gas, particularly a career as a driller, is in high demand. Drillers are not only expected to be in tiptop shape because of the rigorous and physically strenuous tasks involved, they also need to be problem-solvers and team leaders. In addition, they have to have a high regard for safety regulations as the work environment carries a high risk for major disasters if safety measures are bypassed. This career can pay as much as 100k a year as well.

Pipefitters

Pipefitters are responsible for developing sketches and blueprints for piping system installations and therefore are in high demand in industrial settings where systems carry substances such as chemicals, fuel, steam, and others. While installing and connecting pipes are their main responsibilities, pipefitters are also accountable for proper maintenance and repairs of these systems. For their work, pipefitters can earn as much as 85,000 per year.

HVAC Mechanics

Just like electricians, HVAC mechanics are greatly needed in structures—residential, commercial, and industrial—to ensure all heating, ventilation, and air conditioning functions are all going according to plan. It’s an extremely demanding job especially in emergency situations as they are required to offer solutions and repairs ASAP, but it does offer great rewards. HVAC technicians can earn as much as 80k a year as employees and more so if they have their own businesses.

Now that we’ve taken a look at these promising trades, have you decided which one you will fit in the most?

SOURCES:

https://careers.workopolis.com/advice/6-skilled-trades-that-can-pay-more-than-75000-and-even-200000/

https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/canadian-tradespeople-1.5198394

https://www.trade-schools.net/ca/articles/trade-jobs.asp