Five Benefits of Choosing a Trade

Everyone’s path looks different. What are your talents and interests? Did you enjoy trades classes in high school? Are you a good problem solver and enjoy working with others?

Trades careers are in high demand and provide fulfilling, hands-on work experience. Over 20 programs in our School of Trades and Technology are backed by SkilledTradesBC. Let’s explore reasons why you might choose a career in trades.

High-paying career

The demand for skilled trade workers is growing. Trades are essential to every community from construction to manufacturing. Becoming an expert in a trade calls for hard work and devotion both in the classroom and out in the field. For that reason, skilled tradespeople are rewarded with high salaries.

Check out statistics below from WorkBC for a snapshot of annual salaries in the field:

$83,424 – Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades
$82,694 – Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades
$75,082 – Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades
$72,203 – Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers

Less time in the classroom

When you study a trade, you are developing skills you will need in your given profession. As a result, trades programs are shorter in length than traditional, academic programs making for a quick transition into your career. When you choose a trade, you are choosing a more direct path to the workforce.

To explore programs, visit our webpage:

tru.ca/trades

High-demand field

Trade jobs are in high demand. Choosing a trade means having a stable career and options of where to work. According to WorkBC, the Labour Market Outlook predicts thousands of trades jobs from 2022-2032 including:

6,670 jobs for automotive service technicians
6,460 jobs for construction trades helpers and labourers
5,760 jobs for carpenters
4,010 jobs for heavy equipment operators (except crane)
3,420 jobs for electricians (except industrial and power system)

Opportunities to travel

Have you always wanted to travel? A career as a travelling tradesperson might be just what you need to see the world. Tradespeople are the backbone of every community. They contribute to new infrastructure, keep homes and businesses running smoothly and ensure public safety.

Whether you aspire to always travel or want to experience living in a certain country, there will always be a demand for trades. Explore new places and experience different cultures all while earning a living. When you travel for work, you’re growing your connections and building a network can open doors to new collaborations and experiences.

A fulfilling career

Tradespeople play a vital role and contribute to the overall economic growth and stability of communities.

Having a hands-on career in trades allows you to see tangible results. Whether it’s constructing a building, fixing a broken appliance, or creating a piece of art, you can take pride in the work you’re doing.

From in-class training to work experience in the field, you are seeing your skills develop before entering the workforce. As technology advances, tradespeople must continuously engage in learning, resulting in a lifelong learning journey.

Have you ever wanted to start your own business? Most trades offer the option to pursue that route. Working independently means being your own boss, making decisions, creating your own success, and fostering a sense of pride.

If you aspire to have variety in your work, a career in trades offers just that. Trades people often work on diverse projects which bring excitement. In this field, you interact with a wide range of clients and work at different locations, making each day unique.

Alumni success

According to BC Student Outcomes data from 2020 to 2022, TRU graduates across all trades foundation programs reported on their experience as follows:

Graduates have a 92% satisfaction rate.

94% of graduates said the quality of instruction was very good, good or adequate.

95% of employed respondents were working full-time.

Based on the BC Student Outcomes data spanning from 2020 to 2022, TRU graduates from all apprenticeship programs reported:

91% of employed respondents were in a job related to their program.

95% of respondents said the quality of instruction was very good, good or adequate.

Graduates have a 97% satisfaction rate.

Explore programs and admission requirements

Intake dates vary program to program, and each have different admission requirements.

You can check the trades home page to select the program you’re interested in and get redirected to a program page with admission requirements.

Get in touch

For general inquiries, registration support, foundation advising and tours, or to inquire about apprenticeship courses, contact us here:

tru.ca/trades/contact-us

For support over the phone, give us a call.

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To register in person for foundation programs, please go to the Admissions Office in the Old Main building.

To register in person for apprenticeship courses, please go to the Trades Office in the Trades and Technology building.