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The Ontario Government is Committing to 5,000 New Apprenticeships Each Year for the Next Four Years

tradesmart23 on March 18, 2025

The Ontario Government is Committing to 5,000 New Apprenticeships Each Year for the Next Four Years

Introduction: A Step Forward, but Not the Full Solution

The Ontario government has announced funding to create 5,000 new apprenticeship spots annually for the next four years, a move that signals a commitment to strengthening the skilled trades workforce. Given the severe shortage of tradespeople, this investment in apprenticeship training is a necessary and positive step. However, it is crucial to understand who is eligible for these opportunities and whether this initiative will genuinely help solve Ontario’s trades shortage.

The reality is that getting an apprenticeship spot is not the hardest part of entering the trades—getting that first job is. These 5,000 new seats will help existing apprentices complete their required schooling, but they do nothing for those who have yet to be signed on as apprentices in the first place. That’s where programs like Trade Smart College’s pre-apprenticeship training, which blends professional and technical skills with a six-month paid internship, play a crucial role in actually helping people enter the trades.

Who is Eligible for These New Apprenticeships?

A common misconception is that apprenticeship schooling—sometimes called “trade school”—is where people go to learn a trade from the ground up. This is not the case. Apprenticeship schooling is only for people who are already apprentices. To qualify for one of these new apprenticeship seats, an individual must have already been hired by an employer and registered with the Ontario apprenticeship system.

To put it simply, you cannot walk into a college and sign up for an apprenticeship program. You must first have an employer sponsor you, sign an apprenticeship training agreement, and receive an official apprenticeship number before being eligible for Level 1 training. Only publicly funded colleges, unions, and select registered training providers can offer apprenticeship schooling, and career colleges, including Trade Smart College, are not eligible to offer this training.

How Will This Help Existing Apprentices?

For those who are already apprentices, these additional seats will be beneficial. Currently, Ontario has a backlog of apprentices who struggle to access the mandatory in-school portion of their training. The government funding will help ease this bottleneck, allowing more apprentices to move through Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 training without delays.

This is a positive step for productivity, as more apprentices completing their education means more skilled tradespeople advancing toward journeyperson status. However, this investment is only addressing the needs of those who have already secured an apprenticeship—it does nothing to increase the number of people entering the trades. And that is where the real problem lies.

The Hardest Part of Entering the Trades: Getting That First Job

The true barrier to solving Ontario’s trades shortage isn’t a lack of apprenticeship seats—it’s the challenge of getting hired as an apprentice in the first place. The process of securing that first apprenticeship job is notoriously difficult. Employers are hesitant to take on inexperienced workers because, quite simply, they don’t want to train someone who isn’t prepared, focused, and reliable.

Right now, there are two main ways people get hired as apprentices. One is through personal connections. If you have a family member or friend in the trades, your chances of landing an apprenticeship improve significantly. However, relying on who you know is not a scalable solution for Ontario’s workforce needs. The second is through pre-apprenticeship programs. These programs exist to help people gain foundational skills and experience to make them more attractive to employers. However, most government-funded pre-apprenticeship programs simply replicate the Level 1 curriculum without addressing the professional skills gap that prevents many job seekers from getting hired.

What Skills Do Employers Look for in an Apprentice?

Employers are not just looking for technical knowledge. The single most important factor in hiring an apprentice is professionalism. A company cannot afford to invest time and resources into someone who lacks the ability to be punctual, adaptable, and productive.

The most in-demand skills that separate successful apprentices from those who struggle to find work include reliability, which means showing up on time and ready to work, and a strong work ethic, demonstrating a willingness to take initiative and do the job right the first time. Communication skills are also critical, as apprentices must be able to follow instructions, ask questions, and work as part of a team. Problem-solving ability is another key factor, as tradespeople need to think critically and adjust to real-world challenges. Adaptability is essential, as the industry is constantly evolving, and workers must be prepared to learn new techniques and technologies.

While technical skills can be learned on the job, professional skills must be developed before an employer will take a chance on a new apprentice.

Does This Government Funding Solve Ontario’s Trades Shortage?

The short answer is no. While adding 5,000 apprenticeship spots per year will help current apprentices complete their training, it does nothing to bring new people into the trades.

A true solution to Ontario’s skilled labour shortage must include a clear and accessible pathway for new workers to get their first job in the trades. This means increasing employer incentives to hire apprentices, expanding paid work experience opportunities, and improving pre-apprenticeship programs to emphasize professional and technical skills equally.

Key Takeaways

  • The 5,000 new apprenticeship seats each year will only benefit those who are already registered as apprentices—not those looking to enter the trades.
  • The hardest part of starting a career in the trades is getting that first apprenticeship job, not completing apprenticeship schooling.
  • Many people struggle to find an apprenticeship because they lack professional skills, which employers prioritize over technical knowledge.
  • The government’s plan does not address the real problem: the need for more entry-level pathways into the trades.

The Bottom Line: Getting Into the Trades Still Requires More Than Just Government Funding

While Ontario’s investment in apprenticeship schooling is a positive step, it does not solve the biggest problem facing the trades industry: getting more people hired as apprentices in the first place. Without a clear pathway for new workers to gain professional and technical skills before entering the trades, the labour shortage will persist.

At Trade Smart College, we bridge this gap by preparing students with both the professionalism and technical expertise that employers demand. Our six-month paid internship ensures that graduates enter the workforce prepared, focused, and reliable, increasing their chances of securing an apprenticeship. Real solutions to Ontario’s trades shortage start with getting people into the industry—not just funding the ones who are already there.

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The Skills You’ll Need: Why a Blend of Professional and Technical Skills Will Be Needed in Canada for the Next 40 Years

tradesmart23 on March 18, 2025

The Skills You’ll Need: Why a Blend of Professional and Technical Skills Will Be Needed in Canada for the Next 40 Years

Introduction: The Productivity Problem and the Skills Solution

There is a productivity problem in Canada. For decades, our economic growth has lagged behind other developed nations, and the forecast isn’t looking any brighter. The main reason for this is a persistent and growing skills shortage. The Conference Board of Canada estimates that if we had addressed this issue over the past 20 years, our GDP would be nearly $50 billion larger today. Even more distressing is that we will rank last in GDP growth for the next 40 years out of all the world’s major economies. And it’s not just about technical skills, there is a significant shortage of professional skills as well.

For anyone considering a career in the skilled trades and construction sectors, this reality presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge? No employer hires someone without experience. The opportunity? Employers aren’t just looking for technical know-how; they need prepared, focused, and reliable professionals who can work effectively in a team, solve problems, and adapt to change. The key to long-term career success in the trades is mastering professional skills before technical ones. At Trade Smart College, we recognize this reality, which is why our students get both professional and technical training—along with 950 hours of paid work experience—so they enter the workforce already ahead of the game.

Why Canada Needs Both Technical and Professional Skills for the Next 40 Years

The need for skilled tradespeople isn’t going away anytime soon. Infrastructure projects, green energy transitions, and an aging workforce are all creating huge demand for qualified workers in construction, manufacturing, and transportation. But while technical skills like operating heavy equipment, welding, or electrical wiring are essential, they are not enough on their own to fill the productivity gap.

Here’s why: skills shortages don’t just happen when there aren’t enough workers; they happen when workers aren’t fully prepared for the job. Canadian employers repeatedly highlight the lack of professional skills as a major barrier to productivity. Virtually every survey of employers and hiring managers over the past 50 years produces the same result: they look for professional or soft skills first and are willing to teach the more technical stuff later. Showing up on time, communicating effectively, thinking analytically, and adapting to new challenges are just as important as knowing how to use a tool or read a schematic. Over the next 40 years, the most productive and adaptable tradespeople will be those who master both sides of the equation—technical expertise and professional competence.

The Essential Technical Skills in the Trades and Construction Sectors

The technical skills required in the trades are constantly evolving, but certain core competencies will always be in demand. These include:

  • Mechanical and electrical proficiency – The ability to install, repair, and maintain complex systems, from HVAC to industrial automation.
  • Blueprint reading and spatial reasoning – Understanding technical drawings and specifications is essential for accuracy in construction and manufacturing.
  • Material handling and safety compliance – From working with hazardous materials to maintaining workplace safety protocols, every trade requires knowledge of industry standards.
  • Problem-solving and troubleshooting – Whether diagnosing a malfunctioning engine or adjusting a misaligned steel frame, the best tradespeople think on their feet.

But here’s the reality: technical skills can be taught on the job—but only to those who already have the professional skills to handle the work environment. No employer wants to waste time teaching someone how to be reliable or how to take instruction. That’s why, when choosing candidates, hiring managers always prioritize professional skills first.

Why Professional Skills Matter More Than Ever

In a perfect world, technical expertise alone would be enough to secure a high-paying job in the trades. But in reality, professionalism is what separates the workers from the leaders. The trades industry is full of talented people who never advance in their careers because they lack the professional skills to manage projects, communicate with clients, or work effectively in a team.

Some of the most in-demand professional skills include:

  • Punctuality and dependability – A business can’t function if workers show up late or miss deadlines. Employers want people they can rely on and they will quickly fire those who can’t meet this most basic of requirements.
  • Communication and teamwork – The ability to give and receive instructions, coordinate with colleagues, and interact professionally with clients is critical for all trades businesses. There are endless stories of jobs that have been lost because a junior employee makes a bad impression on a customer, and employers are constantly turning over people who put them at risk.
  • Adaptability and continuous learning – Technology is reshaping the trades, from automation in manufacturing to digital tools in construction. Staying employable means staying adaptable.
  • Work ethic and professionalism – The best-paid tradespeople aren’t just the most skilled—they’re the most professional. They take pride in their work and consistently prove their value. 

In a productivity-driven economy, workers who demonstrate professional skills will always be the first to be promoted—and the last to be let go when times get tough.

The Link Between Professionalism and Productivity in the Trades

Canadian productivity isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working more reliably. A country with an abundance of workers but a shortage of professional skills will always struggle to keep pace with global competition. This is exactly the issue Canada faces today: there are plenty of people willing to work, but too few prepared, focused, and reliable professionals in the workforce.

Employers don’t have the time or resources to teach workers how to be professionals—they expect new hires to come in already understanding the basics of reliability, communication, and workplace etiquette. These should be table stakes when it comes to diplomas and degrees, but unfortunately, these skills are rarely mentioned in most courses, much less taught. That’s why students who prioritize professional skills before technical skills have an enormous advantage when entering the job market. They don’t just fill a position; they contribute to productivity, making them indispensable in any workplace.

Key Takeaways

  • Canada’s productivity problem is largely driven by skills shortages, which include both technical and professional skills.
  • The trades and construction sectors will be in high demand for at least the next 40 years, but technical skills alone won’t be enough for long-term career success.
  • Employers prioritize professional skills—such as reliability, teamwork, and adaptability—because they are the foundation of a productive workforce.
  • The most successful tradespeople are those who master professionalism first, allowing them to learn technical skills more efficiently and advance in their careers.

The Bottom Line: Professionalism First, Skills Second

If you want a long, successful career in the trades, technical expertise is only half the equation. The other half—and the most important half at the start of your career—is professionalism. Being prepared, focused, and reliable is what gets you hired and promoted. The most skilled worker in the world won’t get far if they can’t show up on time, follow instructions, and work as part of a team.

At Trade Smart College, we understand that professional skills are the foundation of a strong career. That’s why our training isn’t just about technical knowledge—it’s about preparing students to be the kind of professionals that employers want to hire. And with 950 hours of paid work experience, our students enter the workforce with both the skills and the confidence to succeed. The smarter pathway to the trades starts here.

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How Do You Get Experience In The Skilled Trades Without Experience?

tradesmart23 on March 18, 2025

How Do You Get Experience In The Skilled Trades Without Experience?

In the trades, as in most industries, a frustrating paradox exists: how do you get job experience if most companies only want to hire people who already have it? For aspiring tradespeople, this is generally regarded as one of the most difficult parts of becoming a licensed technician. And it often feels like an impossible barrier to overcome. Companies can’t be blamed for this approach—hiring a new employee comes with significant costs, and they prefer candidates who have proven their abilities in real-world situations, not just in workshops or training environments.

But what about those who lack this advantage? Not everyone has a family member who can get them a foot in the door, nor can they rely on sheer luck to find their first opportunity. If we are actually going to address the crushing labour shortages in the trades, a systematic and scalable solution is required—one that can provide relevant work experience in a way that employers value.

Internships: Bridging the Gap Between Training and Employment

One of the most effective solutions to this challenge is the internship, sometimes called a co-op. A properly structured internship gives students the opportunity to work in a real company, gaining insights into the industry while building the experience that employers recognize as valuable. It’s a chance for students to prove themselves in a workplace environment, learning on the job while contributing meaningfully to the business.

Employers consistently value jobsite experience over classroom and workshop training when evaluating candidates for junior positions. This makes internships incredibly powerful. However, not all internships are created equal. Short-term or part-time placements may not provide enough hands-on experience to make a real difference on a resume. On the other hand, substantial, full-time internships lasting several months can transform a student from someone with no experience to someone who is ready for hire.

The Importance of Substantial, Real-World Experience

The closer an internship is to a “real job,” the more valuable it is for both students and employers. Three-week practicums or part-time co-op positions are a start, but they often fall short of providing the depth of experience needed to make a strong impression on employers. A longer, full-time internship provides a meaningful opportunity to learn, adapt, and contribute in a workplace setting.

For example, a six-month, full-time internship allows students to accumulate hundreds of hours of real-world experience, helping them build both technical skills and professional habits. This kind of comprehensive experience can set students apart from others who have only completed workshop-based training. When combined with mentorship and guidance, such internships ensure that students don’t just meet industry expectations—they exceed them.

Why Employers Value Experience Over Technical Training

When it comes to hiring entry-level tradespeople, employers often prioritize real-world experience over specific technical skills. Why? Because technical skills can be taught on the job, but professionalism, reliability, and adaptability are traits that are best learned through practical application. Employers need to know that new hires can handle the realities of a job site—tight deadlines, teamwork, and problem-solving under pressure.

This is where substantial internships shine. They give students the chance to develop these essential qualities while applying their technical knowledge in a practical setting. For employers, hiring someone who has already worked in a similar environment reduces risk and makes onboarding smoother. For students, the experience adds significant weight to their resume, showcasing their ability to contribute effectively in a professional setting.

A Systematic Solution to Gaining Experience

Without a systematic approach, such as a substantial internship, gaining real-world experience can feel like a matter of luck. This is especially true in the trades, where barriers to entry often seem insurmountable. Internships provide a scalable solution to this problem, offering students a clear path from training to employment. Programs that integrate substantial internships into their curriculum not only prepare students for the workforce but also address labor shortages in the trades by creating a pipeline of ready-to-hire talent.

At Trade Smart College, every student is automatically eligible for a six-month paid internship with a local trades company. This means that by the time they graduate, they have accumulated a minimum of 960 hours of jobsite experience. Not only does this make students more attractive to employers, but it also gives them a chance to secure a permanent position with their internship company. This approach bridges the gap between education and employment, turning “no experience” into “experience provided.”

Key Points to Remember

  • Employers in the trades prioritize real-world experience over workshop training when making hiring decisions.
  • Substantial, full-time internships are far more valuable than short-term or part-time placements.
  • Internships help students develop technical skills, and reinforce professionalism, reliability, and adaptability in real-world settings.
  • A systematic approach to internships creates a direct pathway from education to employment.
  • Trade Smart College provides six-month paid internships, ensuring students graduate with 960 hours of jobsite experience.

The Bottom Line: Turning “No Experience” Into “Experience Provided”

For aspiring tradespeople, the challenge of getting job experience without already having it can feel overwhelming. But with the right approach, it’s possible to break through this barrier. Substantial internships, like those offered at Trade Smart College, provide students with the hands-on experience they need to succeed in the workforce.

By partnering with local companies and integrating internships into our curriculum, we ensure that students are prepared, focused, and ready to thrive in their careers. The trades are all about proving your ability to contribute—and with the right experience, students can show employers that they’re more than ready to take on the job.

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The Coming Boom: Rebuilding Canada’s Infrastructure Before 2050

tradesmart23 on March 18, 2025

The Coming Boom: Rebuilding Canada’s Infrastructure Before 2050

Canada is on the brink of one of the largest infrastructure overhauls in its history. With an aging infrastructure system, growing cities, and increasing demand for sustainable solutions, governments at both the federal and provincial levels are committing billions to rebuild the nation’s roads, bridges, transit systems, and utilities over the next two decades. This effort isn’t just about concrete and steel—it’s about people. More specifically, it’s about tradespeople who will be at the forefront of this massive undertaking.

According to the Federal Government’s Investing in Canada Plan, over $180 billion will be invested in public infrastructure between now and 2030. Add to that Ontario’s ambitious infrastructure goals outlined in Ontario’s Long-Term Report on the Economy, and it becomes clear that a new wave of skilled workers will be needed. For students and aspiring tradespeople, this is more than just an economic boom—it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build lasting careers.

Billions of Dollars, Thousands of Jobs

When it comes to the scope of Canada’s infrastructure rebuild, the numbers are staggering. The Investing in Canada Plan outlines massive spending on public transit, green energy, water systems, and housing infrastructure, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs in the skilled trades. For Ontario alone, infrastructure investments are expected to drive employment growth and sustain economic activity until at least 2046. For people just starting out in the trades, that could mean 20 years of high job security. Very few people who graduate from universities in the near future will have anything like that.

To put this further in perspective, the Ontario government reports that every $1 billion invested in public infrastructure creates roughly 10,000 jobs, most of which will be in the skilled trades. This means tens of thousands of carpenters, electricians, HVAC specialists, plumbers, and construction workers will open up each year. For anyone considering a career in the trades, this is an unparalleled opportunity to enter an industry where demand is surging and job security is virtually guaranteed.

Professionalism: The Key to Success in the Infrastructure Boom

However, simply being qualified isn’t enough to take full advantage of this coming boom. Tradespeople who want to thrive in this environment need to demonstrate not just technical skill but professionalism. This includes being prepared, focused, reliable, and able to work efficiently under pressure—qualities that employers value as much as experience.

Why is professionalism so important? Large-scale infrastructure projects require teamwork, precision, and trust. A tradesperson who consistently shows up on time, communicates clearly, and takes ownership of their work becomes indispensable on a job site. As competition increases for these opportunities, employers will prioritize workers who embody integrity and professionalism at every stage of the project.

Multi-Skilled Tradespeople Will Lead the Way

As infrastructure projects become more complex, the demand for tradespeople who can work across disciplines is rising. Ontario’s infrastructure plans emphasize the need for integrated solutions—projects where carpenters, pipefitters, electricians, HVAC specialists, and others must collaborate efficiently to complete jobs on time and on budget. Gone are the days when trades operated in silos.

Modern infrastructure relies on multi-skilled professionals who can adapt to a project’s shifting needs. For example, renewable energy projects—like wind and solar farms—require tradespeople to understand electrical systems, heavy equipment operation, and precision mechanics. Those who bring a professional mindset and broad, adaptable skills will find themselves at the forefront of this boom.

Why Preparation Matters

While opportunities are plentiful, only those who are prepared to meet industry expectations will thrive. Employers are increasingly looking for tradespeople who bring more than their tools—they’re looking for individuals who understand workplace systems, manage their time efficiently, and anticipate problems before they arise. This is where a forward-thinking education becomes essential.

At Trade Smart College, we emphasize these real-world skills because we know preparation is the foundation of professionalism. Employers want workers who can hit the ground running and seamlessly integrate into fast-paced projects. This means students must be ready to think analytically, solve problems, and approach each job with focus and reliability. The infrastructure boom will reward those who are prepared to act like professionals from day one.

Key Points to Remember

  • Over $180 billion will be invested in Canada’s infrastructure, creating thousands of skilled trades jobs.
  • Ontario projects sustained infrastructure investments through the 2040s, driving long-term demand for trades.
  • Professionalism—being prepared, focused, and reliable—is what sets successful tradespeople apart.
  • Multi-skilled tradespeople who can adapt to modern, integrated projects will lead the way.
  • Proper education and preparation are essential to take advantage of these opportunities.

The Bottom Line: A Golden Opportunity for the Next Generation

The coming infrastructure boom is more than just a response to Canada’s aging systems—it’s an opportunity for a new generation of tradespeople to step forward and shape the nation’s future. With billions of dollars pouring into public works, demand for skilled workers has never been higher. But to seize this opportunity, aspiring trades professionals must go beyond technical know-how. Professionalism, preparation, and adaptability will determine who thrives in this booming industry.

At Trade Smart College, we believe that success in the trades requires more than just skills—it requires a mindset of reliability, focus, and professionalism. This is your chance to build a career that contributes to something much bigger: a stronger, more resilient Canada. The future is being built now—will you be ready to help build it?

References:

Canada, Investing in Canada — Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan

Catalogue No.: T94-9/2018E-PDF. ISBN: 978-0-660-26128-7 Ontario, Ministry of Finance. Ontario’s Long-Term Report on the Economy, 2024-46. The King’s Printer for Ontario.

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Why It’s Hard to Get Into the Trades Even Though There’s a Labour Shortage

tradesmart23 on March 18, 2025

Why It’s Hard to Get Into the Trades Even Though There’s a Labour Shortage

We hear about the shortage of tradespeople all the time, and we’ve covered this in detail in other blogs. The problem is that most people think that just because there’s a shortage, getting into the trades is—or should be—easy. This is simply not true. In fact, landing your first job in the trades, especially without prior experience, is often the hardest step in becoming a tradesperson. Entry rates are surprisingly low compared to other industries, despite the high demand. This paradox stems from four key barriers, each of which restricts the number of entry-level jobs available. Addressing these challenges isn’t about flashy promotion or simplistic recruitment drives—it’s about tackling the real problems that face aspiring tradespeople.

At Trade Smart College, we’ve designed our programs to prepare students to overcome these barriers. By emphasizing skills such as adaptability, professionalism, and reliability, we aim to bridge the gap between employers’ expectations and students’ capabilities. But understanding these challenges is the first step, so let’s explore the issues in depth.

Physical and Mental Preparedness: A Non-Negotiable

One of the most misunderstood aspects of trades work is the level of both physical and mental competence required. While some jobs in the trades demand physical strength, most require stamina, precision, and the ability to understand the broader scope of the task at hand. Without proper preparation, newcomers often find themselves overwhelmed, leading to high turnover rates among first-year apprentices. It’s not uncommon for those entering the field to underestimate the mental acuity needed, particularly when it comes to problem-solving and decision-making on the job.

The ability to think analytically isn’t just a bonus—it’s critical. Tradespeople frequently encounter unexpected challenges, and solving these safely and efficiently demands foresight and adaptability. For instance, an apprentice electrician in Ontario may need to quickly troubleshoot a circuit issue while ensuring the safety of a team working on-site. When training programs neglect to emphasize the balance of physical endurance and intellectual agility, they set up their graduates for failure. That’s why comprehensive preparation is essential for success in the trades.

Professionalism: The Heart of Trades Work

Trades work is inherently collaborative. On any given day, tradespeople may be part of several teams, coordinating with colleagues, contractors, and clients. This dynamic requires more than technical skill—it demands professionalism. Yet many training programs sideline this critical component, prioritizing technical skills over interpersonal ones. The result? Apprentices who may know how to turn a wrench but lack the poise to handle a tough client or resolve a team conflict.

In Ontario, where construction sites and workshops are bustling with diverse tradespeople, the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively is crucial. A plumber who shows up late or an apprentice carpenter who argues with their supervisor isn’t just a nuisance—they’re a liability. Professionalism forms the backbone of effective teamwork, and without it, even the most technically skilled tradesperson can struggle to find and keep a job. By ignoring this essential skill, we inadvertently restrict access to entry-level jobs for countless individuals who might otherwise excel in the trades.

Seasonal Demand: The Rollercoaster of Employment

Unlike many industries, trades work often follows the ebb and flow of seasonal demand. In Ontario, where construction slows during the harshest winter months and ramps up in the warmer seasons, trades companies face a unique challenge. They must meet the surges in workload during peak periods while staying lean enough to survive slower times. This leads to an employment cycle where tradespeople are frequently laid off and recalled, creating uncertainty for both seasoned professionals and newcomers.

For someone trying to enter the trades, this seasonality can be a daunting barrier. Many companies hesitate to bring on inexperienced workers during their busiest times because they need reliable hands on deck. Conversely, during slower months, there’s little incentive to train new hires when projects are scarce. This creates a Catch-22: employers can’t afford to take chances on novices, and novices can’t gain experience without a chance. Overcoming this barrier requires not just individual determination but also a training system that equips students to handle the realities of fluctuating demand.

Low Margins, High Stakes

The financial dynamics of trades companies also play a significant role in limiting entry-level opportunities. In Ontario, as in much of Canada, trades work is often awarded through a competitive bidding process. While this keeps prices low for consumers, it also squeezes the profit margins of trades businesses. With little financial cushion, companies are reluctant to take risks on hiring apprentices who might not meet expectations.

Hiring mistakes in the trades can be costly. An unprofessional or unprepared apprentice can damage a company’s reputation, delay projects, or even cause the loss of a future contract. For small to mid-sized businesses, which make up a significant portion of Ontario’s trades industry, one bad hire could mean the difference between breaking even and operating at a loss. This economic reality forces companies to prioritize reliability, focus, and efficiency when selecting candidates, leaving many newcomers struggling to meet these high standards.

Key Points

  • Physical and Mental Competence: Trades work demands stamina and analytical thinking, making preparation essential for success.
  • Professionalism and Teamwork: Effective collaboration and communication are critical in the trades but are often underemphasized in training programs.
  • Seasonal Employment Cycles: The fluctuating nature of demand creates challenges for both employers and newcomers, limiting entry-level opportunities.
  • Financial Constraints on Employers: Slim profit margins make trades companies hesitant to hire inexperienced workers due to the potential risks and costs.

The Bottom Line: Tackling Barriers, Building Careers

While there’s no shortage of demand for tradespeople in Ontario, the barriers to entering the industry remain significant. Physical and mental preparedness, professionalism, seasonal demand, and the financial constraints of trades companies all contribute to the challenge. At Trade Smart College, we address these issues head-on by ensuring our graduates are prepared, focused, reliable, efficient, and adaptable—the exact traits employers are looking for.

Breaking into the trades isn’t easy, but with the right training and support, it’s entirely possible. By understanding and addressing the underlying challenges, we can not only help individuals find fulfilling careers but also help alleviate the larger labour shortage affecting the industry. If you’re ready to meet these challenges and build a successful career in the trades, Trade Smart College is here to help.

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Professional Skills as the Basis of Career Advancement in the Skilled Trades

tradesmart23 on December 16, 2024

Professional Skills as the Basis of Career Advancement in the Skilled Trades

Professional Skills as the Basis of Career Advancement in the Skilled Trades

In the skilled trades, technical expertise is part of a successful career, but a person’s professional skills will ultimately determine their long-term advancement. As tradespeople progress in their careers, their ability to navigate management, operations, and customer relations becomes increasingly important. This transition requires not just technical mastery but also the adoption of broader professional skills. It also requires understanding that there is a wide range of opportunities available for anyone in the trades who masters these skills. This blog will explore the role of professional skills in advancing a trades career, focusing on moving beyond hands-on work, understanding company operations, excelling in sales and project management, and recognizing the universal baseline skills that underpin all professional roles.

Moving Off the Tools

A common career milestone for trades professionals is transitioning from “on the tools” work to supervisory or managerial roles. This shift often marks the move from direct, hands-on labor to overseeing projects or leading teams. While technical expertise remains important, individuals stepping into these roles need to develop skills in leadership, delegation, and strategic planning. Effective communication and the ability to inspire teams are essential for maintaining productivity and morale.

For tradespeople considering this transition, professional skills assessments can help identify readiness for leadership. Understanding how to balance technical involvement with oversight ensures smoother project execution. Leaders in the trades who effectively communicate expectations and empower their teams contribute to better safety outcomes, enhanced productivity, and higher job satisfaction. This transition reflects the need for a broader skill set that complements technical expertise with interpersonal and strategic abilities.

Trades Company Operations

Understanding the operational side of a trades business is critical for professionals at any level of an organization, but especially for those aspiring to senior roles. Operations management involves coordinating logistics, scheduling, budgeting, and compliance with industry regulations. These tasks require proficiency in problem-solving, analytical thinking, and familiarity with industry-specific software tools, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems or project management platforms.

Trades professionals aiming to advance should invest time in learning these systems and understanding the financial and regulatory aspects of their industry. For instance, managing supply chain complexities or adhering to safety and environmental regulations are key responsibilities for those in operational roles. Understanding how to increase operational efficiency can help a company maintain a competitive advantage in skilled trades industries, and this can be a cornerstone of career growth for an employee.

Sales and Project Management

Sales and project management represent another key area where professional skills are essential for career advancement. Trades professionals stepping into these roles must understand how to align customer needs with project capabilities while maintaining profitability. Sales roles require strong interpersonal communication and negotiation skills, and an ability to build relationships with clients. These skills ensure trust and satisfaction, which are critical for repeat business and referrals.

Project management, on the other hand, involves coordinating timelines, budgets, and resources. Effective project managers combine technical knowledge with organizational skills, ensuring that every stage of a project aligns with client expectations and regulatory standards. Certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP) or Construction Management Certification (CMC) can provide structured training for tradespeople transitioning into these roles, highlighting the importance of formalized professional development in achieving career milestones.

The Baseline Professional Skills Are the Same

Despite the diversity of roles in the skilled trades, the baseline professional skills for advancement remain consistent across all disciplines. These include an insistence on quality work, effective communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Professionals who master these skills are better equipped to handle the dynamic nature of the trades, where every project presents unique challenges.

At Trade Smart College, we spend time in class training students in the core components to build these professional skills. In particular, we teach students how to adjust their habits, mindsets, and sense of responsibility and control so they can build out a full set of professional abilities that will serve them well from their first day on the job to, hopefully, a long and rewarding career.

Conclusion: The Role of Professional Skills in Trade Careers

At Trade Smart College, we teach our students why career advancement in the skilled trades requires more than technical expertise. Transitioning to leadership, operations, sales, or project management roles demands a combination of professional skills that allow tradespeople to navigate complex responsibilities and seize new opportunities. We explain to them that if they want to step off the tools, there are many opportunities to do so. And mastering business essentials, excelling in client relations, or building a foundation of operational skills, positions a person well for long-term success. Embracing these skills not only enhances individual careers but also strengthens the trades industry as a whole by fostering competent, adaptable, and innovative leaders.

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Building and Assessing Skills Through Failure and Feedback Instead of Grades

tradesmart23 on December 16, 2024

Building and Assessing Skills Through Failure and Feedback Instead of Grades

Building and Assessing Skills Through Failure and Feedback Instead of Grades

In the trades, no one cares about how well you can recite a textbook definition or ace a multiple-choice test. Employers care about one thing: what you can do with your hands, your mind, your tools, and your time. Yet, much of traditional education is still mired in testing memory rather than building skill. At Trade Smart College, we’ve turned this approach on its head, focusing instead on methods that mirror real-world learning—failure, repetition, and constructive feedback.

Professional tradespeople are judged on their reliability, efficiency, and adaptability, not their ability to regurgitate facts. It’s a world where being prepared to meet challenges head-on matters far more than knowing the theory of why a pipe bursts. That’s why we emphasize skill development through practice rather than evaluation through grades. And we focus most of our in-class time on building professional skills, because these are the skills that get people jobs, and allow them to keep them.

Why Testing Memory Cannot Develop Skill

Imagine asking a plumber to fix your leaking sink based solely on the fact that they scored 95% on their plumbing theory exam. It sounds absurd because tradespeople are hired for what they can do, not for the grades they earned. Testing memory cannot develop skill. Skill, whether physical or mental, can only be developed through practice, critical feedback, and repetition.

In the trades, this means the difference between someone who knows the steps in theory and one who can apply them under pressure. By embracing failure as part of the learning process, students become adaptable problem-solvers, ready to tackle the unexpected.

The Role of Feedback in Building Prepared and Reliable Workers

Feedback is often treated as an afterthought in traditional education, delivered as a letter grade or a few cursory comments on an exam. But feedback, when given correctly, is a powerful tool for growth. Constructive feedback allows students to understand not only what they did wrong but also how to improve.

A “meta-analysis”, published in Educational Technology Research and Development, of the research on learning from failure concluded that while there is more research to be done, students who experience the failure and feedback cycle do better at building skills than those who are not given this opportunity. This is especially true for “professional” skills, and that is why, at Trade Smart College, we ensure that we provide meaningful guidance to our students. It’s through this process that students learn to adjust, refine, and eventually master their craft.

Turning Mistakes into Mastery

In the trades, mistakes aren’t the end of the world—they’re the beginning of understanding. When an entry-level employee makes a mistake, they can be told how to correct it and how to prevent it from happening in other circumstances. This iterative process turns mistakes into stepping stones toward mastery, preparing students for the realities of a career in the trades.

In many cases, benefitting from this process depends on the student having the right mindset. Thiel and Semrau (2022) show that feedback on failure can trigger defensiveness and denial, or it can promote learning, and the difference between these two reactions boils down to a person’s openness to criticism. This is why we spend so much time in class helping students learn the skills of learning, including a receptiveness to criticism. Because it doesn’t matter how well a person can pull wire or cut metal, they will never get better if they’re not open to learning.

Why Grades Don’t Predict Workplace Success

For decades, grades have been the yardstick of academic success. But in the trades, they’re virtually irrelevant. No client asks about your GPA when you’re fixing their heating system; they care about how quickly, efficiently, and reliably you get the job done.

Employers in the trades look at one thing: the quality of your work. This focus on deliverables rather than abstract scores is why Trade Smart College avoids traditional grading models in favor of practical evaluations. Students demonstrate their skills through real-world tasks, not exams. This not only makes them more prepared to hit the ground running but also builds confidence in their ability to deliver results.

The Bottom Line

Building skills through failure and feedback isn’t just a novel teaching approach—it’s a philosophy that reflects the realities of the trades. Students emerge from this process as prepared, reliable, efficient, and adaptable professionals ready to meet the demands of their field. They don’t just know how to perform tasks; they understand the “why” behind their work, making them invaluable assets to their employers.

At Trade Smart College, we believe in training students the way the real world works: by giving them opportunities to learn through doing, failing, and improving. Because in the end, it’s not about the grades you earn—it’s about the skills you bring to the table.


References:

Darabi, A., Arrington, T.L. & Sayilir, E. Learning from failure: a meta-analysis of the empirical studies. Education Tech Research Dev 66, 1101–1118 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-018-9579-9.

Thiel K and Semrau T (2022) Learning from failure feedback for subsequent task performance: A matter of personality? Frontiers in Psychology. 13:1032273. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1032273.

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Your Terms

Need more info? Looking to register? Want to find out about financing or start dates? Book a call, meeting, or text chat with Carrie our Student Success Manager.

Contact the Team

Hamilton Campus

Campus Hours

  • Mon- Fri: 7am- 5pm
  • Open House - See Schedule