A trades + technology education at KPDSB provides an important headstart in your skilled trades career.
To be honest, the list of skilled trades jobs is exhausting.
Ontario currently lists over 140 careers in the trades. There’s the obvious jobs that come to mind—carpenter, welder, plumber and electrician—but there are so many lesser-known trades out there, all with plenty of job (and pay!) opportunities.
Between 2000 and 2011, the average weekly wages of full-time workers aged 25 to 34 with trade certificates grew by 14%, while Bachelor Degree holders saw their wage growth slow to 1%.
Right now, the average age of an Ontario journeyperson is 47 years old. Employers are looking for more people and youth to start their careers in the skilled trades.
Unlike college or university pathways, when you start an apprenticeship you “grow” into your job, developing your skills and honing your knowledge so that when you complete your apprenticeship you already have the job you trained for.
Imagine if your part-time job not only paid well, but every shift counted towards your diploma credits? This is that part-time job.
Start your trades career now you’ll graduate from post-secondary debt-free. Not many of your University friends can say that.
This is a great opportunity to try out the trades—or several different trades—before you commit to a career, with no strings attached.
While other kids start their full time post-secondary classes, you’ll be working, getting paid, and earning your trade certificate.
If you think a skilled trades job is right for you, then you’ll want to consider:
Great for trying out a trade, or getting a headstart on the job/trade you know you want. The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is there to get you started right now.
The KPDSB Co-op program is a great way to try out a trade while earning credits you need to graduate.
KPDSB high schools offer the Specialized High Skills Major (SHSM) program, which tailors your high school to a specific career, helping you earn a diploma specialized for your trade.
Absolutely! In fact, there is a lot of additional support available to women who want to join the trades. Check out what these KPDSB graduates have to say about their success in the trades: