Careers in the trades are lucrative, rewarding, and well-paying, and we should be getting young people excited about their futures rather than solely pushing them to go to university.

The good news is that there are alternatives to classroom and lecture hall jobs that are equally as important to our economy for those who don’t want to spend years studying.

Here are three reasons why starting an apprenticeship could launch your dream career.

High-level salary ranges

As demand for skilled workers increases, companies are willing to pay higher salaries to retain them. Thus, construction workers are currently earning higher wages than ever before.

A high starting salary, low debt, and apprenticeship opportunities have made it possible for tradespeople to start earning a comfortable living income at an early age.

Click here to learn more about the apprenticeship process: (link to trades article)

Get hands-on experience with job-specific skills

For an apprentice, 80% of their learning takes place on the job and 20% in the classroom. Apprenticeships are ideal for experiential learners (those who learn through doing). As you learn on the job, you also gain experience specific to your profession. Many university graduates struggle to find work after graduation because they lack the necessary job skills. Through apprenticeships, apprentices gain the experiences and skills they need to succeed in the real world.

Job opportunities are endless

By 2026, one in five job openings in Ontario will be in the skilled trades sector.

University is not the only path to a rewarding career, nor is it a guarantee that you will land your dream job.

In the skilled trades, you are all but guaranteed a job. More skilled trades workers are needed now than ever before. Baby boomers are retiring, leaving an abundance of unfilled skilled trade positions for the next generation to fill.

As a result of the increased demand for skilled workers, companies are willing to pay higher salaries to recruit and retain them. Businesses are eager to educate and train apprentices for future positions in skilled trades.

From plumbers, boilermakers to electricians, whatever the trade, the skilled trades sector is in need of apprentices to fill these vacancies.

Final Thoughts

Unlike other university or college programs, apprenticeships give you an advantage in a career, providing you with significant job experience, low to no debt, and earning a salary throughout your training. As we strive to grow the construction industry, Trades for Tomorrow provides support to apprentices and employers. If you’re interested in becoming an apprentice, Trades for Tomorrow can help you get started.