While there has been growing concern over the past few years over labour shortages and enrollment in trades-focused programs, renewed interest seems to be growing for students. Whether it is the uncertain economic landscape, labour shortages, or the fear of AI’s influence on the job market, Gen Z seems to be leading the growing interest for careers in the trades.
A recent 2026 Stokes Labour Market Study, commissioned by Colleges Ontario, projected trade needs in Ontario, predicting the need for 16,500 carpenters, 9,400 electricians, 7,500 construction millwrights and industrial mechanics, 6,800 welders and related machine operators and 4,900 plumbers in the next 10 years.
Ontario boasts a wide array of career opportunities in the skilled trades and technologies. Within this diverse landscape, the government has officially designated 144 occupations as skilled trades, covering industries such as mechanical, electrical, automotive and manufacturing, among others.
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There are a number of tools that have been created to help assist interested candidates in navigating this path. Here are some of the tips from Skills Ontario for the next generation looking to acquire the necessary skills and experiences to thrive in the industry:
Starting as young as elementary school, students can participate in summer camps, Skills Ontario Trades & Tech Camps, workshops, presentations, and parents can utilize tools like the Skills Ontario App, which provides links to trade organizations, information on employment, and scholarship opportunities.
For high school students, there are apprenticeships available, high school courses, access to videos discussing skilled trade careers with professionals, volunteer opportunities, and presentations covering different career sectors within the trades, apprenticeships, and more. what an apprenticeship is and more. To a book a presentation, please visit skillsontario.com/presentations
College or university students can consult academic advisors, or if they are already enrolled in a trades or technology program can participate in the Skills Ontario Competition – Post-Secondary Division. The competition provides a platform to showcase skills and connect with potential employers.
For facility and maintenance managers, training and development for the next generation is crucial to succession planning, better labour management and hiring, innovation, and a future for the trades and related professions.
