Cool Facts

In the next two decades, 40% of new jobs will be in the skilled trades and technologies. In 1998, that number was less than 20%.

Many more people in the skilled trades are retiring than are entering the system. The hardest-hit industries will be manufacturing, construction, petroleum production and transportation.

In Canada, the shortfall has been estimated at no fewer than 20,000 unfilled jobs, growing to 50,000 by the year 2010. (Information Technology Association of Canada)

The Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association forecasts a 42% vacancy rate for skilled trades by 2007 -- nearly 34,000 jobs but only 20,000 skilled workers will be available.

Many skilled trades people now make six-figure incomes with excellent benefits.

83% of respondents to a Conference Board of Canada survey indicated that they were experiencing a shortage of skilled labour.

In Canada, the shortfall has been estimated at no fewer than 20,000 unfilled jobs, growing to 50,000 by the year 2010. (Information Technology Association of Canada)

Skilled tool and die makers in the Windsor area -- with overtime factored in -- can quite easily average $100,000 annually. (Canadian Machinery and Metalworking, June 2000)

According to Job Futures 2000, by 2007, more than one-third of jobs created in Canada will require a skilled trade designation or a college diploma.

By 2020, it is estimated Canada could be short 1 million workers due to an aging population and declining birth rates. (Conference Board of Canada, 2000)

In the steel industry, 45% of all trades people are expected to retire by 2006. (CFIB)

In the manufacturing sector, there is an estimated 400,000 workers required in the next 15 years due to retirement. (Canadian Labour and Business, 2004)

Recent projections estimate 913,000 skilled trade job openings between 2003 and 2015 - 50% due to retirement. There remains an estimated 37,00 job vacancies annually. Vancouver Sun June 2004

In the next two decades, 40% of new jobs will be in the skilled trades and technologies. In 1998, that number was less than 20%.

Many more people in the skilled trades are retiring than are entering the system. The hardest-hit industries will be manufacturing, construction, petroleum production and transportation.

The Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association forecasts a 42% vacancy rate for skilled trades by 2007 -- nearly 34,000 jobs but only 20,000 skilled workers will be available.

Many skilled trades people now make six-figure incomes with excellent benefits.

83% of respondents to a Conference Board of Canada survey indicated that they were experiencing a shortage of skilled labour.

In Canada, the shortfall has been estimated at no fewer than 20,000 unfilled jobs, growing to 50,000 by the year 2010. (Information Technology Association of Canada)

Skilled tool and die makers in the Windsor area -- with overtime factored in -- can quite easily average $100,000 annually. (Canadian Machinery and Metalworking, June 2000).

40% of new jobs in the next 20 years will be in trades and technologies.

The average age of the trades people is 45-50 years old.

50% of current trades people are set to retire in the next 7 - 10 years.

42% of Ontario students entering college from high school and the workplace and 26% of students in university leave before meeting diploma or degree requirements.

It is estimated that 50,000 unfilled high skilled jobs will exist by 2010.

By 2007, in Ontario alone, there will be a shortage of about 15,000 machinists, tool and die, mould makers, millwrights, and industrial electricians.

According to Job Futures 2000, by 2007, more than one-third of jobs created in Canada will require a skilled trade designation or a college diploma.

Direct Energy will need to double their HVAC service technician work force by 2007 - more 800 jobs will be needed in this sector alone.

With more than 200 designated trades in Canada, there is a skilled trade for every interest and aptitude.

45 trades certified under the Red Seal program provide tradespersons with the opportunity to work across the country.

1,500 scholarships of $1,000 each to high school students who had quit school, then return to complete high school and enter and apprenticeship.

$2,000 bonus for employers to encourage them to hire these young people into skilled trades.

50,000 skilled metal trades' people will be needed in the next five years. (Canadian Tooling and Machining Association)

Canada is already short between 25,000 and 60,000 workers. (Canadian Construction Association)

As the government is estimating a shortage of one million skilled workers by 2020, there is a growing need to recruit workers from under-represented sectors such as female workers and new Canadians. (Apprenticeship Guide)

Between 18,000 and 19,000 new jobs will be created within the next 5 years in the collision industry. (Canadian Collision Industry Forum)

Canada's automotive industry will need 30,000 new skilled workers by 2005, due to retirements. (Automotive Parts Manufacturing Association)

The first baby-boomers are due to reach retirement age by 2012. In 2015, almost half the workforce (48%) will be between the ages of 45 to 64. By 2026, more than half the population will be over the age of 43 (CFIB, 2003).

In the steel industry, 45% of all trades people are expected to retire by 2006 (CFIB, 2003).

In the manufacturing sector, there is an estimated 400,000 workers required in the next 15 years due to retirement (Canadian Labour and Business, 2004).

Ontario has the largest apprenticeship system in Canada. In 2003-2004 there were 65,600 registered apprentices in the province, including 19,000 new apprentices.

In recent years there has been a considerable effort to encourage more young people to pursue a career in the skilled trades. Many trades are already facing a critical shortage of skilled trades workers.

Skilled workers are involved in almost every aspect of Ontario's economy and they're in high demand.

Over 150 occupations and careers in the trades exist in 4 major sectors: Construction, Service, Industrial and Motive Power.

Motive Power represents the largest group of skilled trades workers.

Apprenticeship training will require you to attend school, usually in 8 week blocks, however most of your training will occur in the workplace. The amount of in class schooling will depend on the trade.

Apprenticeship Costs - Registration: $40, In school training: $400 per level of 8 week training blocks, Certification Exam: $100, Certificate Renewal: $60, a career that is exciting and in high demand - priceless…

The Average age of a Brick Layer/Stone Mason is 55 years old.