Jobs and workplaces evolve, but sometimes  persistent myths stick around,  influencing how we think about careers and the people who work in them. There are myths and stereotypes about most jobs, and the residential construction industry is no exception. For example, unfortunately one prevalent misconception is that skilled trades are for people who don’t do well in school. This stereotype is untrue, and it’s harmful because it not only diminishes the skilled trades and overlooks the intricate knowledge and expertise necessary in these fields, it can also discourage people who have a real interest in learning a skilled trade but think they shouldn’t because they excel in the classroom.  

Professionals in the skilled trades are vital to building and renovating homes in Canada. These jobs often require a high level of skill and ongoing learning. This blog post dispels several myths in the residential construction industry by sharing what these exceptional careers are like in today’s world. 

Myth-Busting: Facts About Skilled Trades 

• Skilled trades are for the uneducated: Skilled trades require extensive training, knowledge, and expertise. Apprenticeships, technical schools, and on-the-job training provide a rigorous education that rivals many academic degrees. 
• You shouldn’t go into the skilled trades because you need a university degree to have a good career: Skilled trades often rely on specialized training programs and apprenticeships. This hands-on learning approach is tailored to the specific demands of each trade, making it highly effective, and the people who are in these careers are in growing demand across the country and have stable jobs and are paid very well. Plus, they don’t have years of student debt to pay off. Many people with a skilled trades background go on to run their own company, which gives further economic opportunities.  
• Skilled trades are low-paying jobs: The idea that workers in the trades earn less than those with university degrees is becoming obsolete. Numerous trades provide competitive salaries and benefits, with some tradespeople even outearning their university-educated peers. There is a high demand for skilled labor, enabling tradespeople to earn substantial wages. Check out this page to see salaries for many skilled trades careers.  
• Trades are only for men: The notion that skilled trades are only for men is very outdated. Many women are excelling in these fields, and initiatives are actively encouraging gender diversity within the trades. 
• Trades are a last resort: Skilled trades are not a fallback option – people are choosing skilled trades careers paths when they’re young, or even switching after being unhappy in an office environment. Careers in the skilled trades are fulfilling, with opportunities for advancement, entrepreneurship, and personal satisfaction. 
• Trades lack job security: Many skilled trades are in high demand, offering stable and secure employment. As long as there is a need for infrastructure, maintenance, and innovation, skilled tradespeople will remain essential, and work is available year-round. 
• Trades don’t require technology skills: Modern skilled trades often involve advanced technology and require proficiency with digital tools, machinery, and software. Tradespeople must continuously update their skills to keep pace with technological advancements. 
• Trades are physically gruelling: While some trades involve physical labor, many others focus on precision, craftsmanship, and technical skills. Modern ergonomic tools and safety measures have also made physical tasks more manageable. 
• Trades lack creativity: Trades such as carpentry, welding, and electrical work often require creative problem-solving and innovative thinking. Tradespeople frequently design and implement custom solutions, showcasing their creativity. 
• Trades offer no career growth: Skilled trades offer numerous opportunities for career advancement, including becoming a master tradesperson, starting a business, or moving into management and training roles. Many tradespeople enjoy fulfilling and dynamic career paths. 

The outdated notion that most tradespeople automatically earn less than those with university degrees is being increasingly challenged by the competitive salaries and benefits offered in many skilled trades. The high demand for skilled labour, which has been calculated to increase in the coming years as more people retire, ensures not only job security, but also presents opportunities for entrepreneurship, allowing tradespeople to build their own prosperous businesses. Additionally, the skilled trades are certainly no longer limited to men; many women are thriving in these careers, supported by initiatives promoting gender diversity. 

Ultimately, we need to change the outdated thinking that many people still have about the skilled trades. Recognizing their value and complexity will lead to a more respectful and well-rounded perspective on career paths, and hopefully young people will feel confident in following their interests rather than be swayed by old myths. By debunking common misconceptions about the residential construction industry, we pave the way for a more inclusive understanding of professional success – one that is not centered just around salary, but also around enjoying going to work each day and feeling accomplished.  

Learn more at chba.ca/careers-in-residential-construction