New survey findings suggest women tend to see the skilled trades as a more plausible career path for others than for themselves. Just 9 per cent of women who responded to the Leger survey earlier this summer currently practice a skilled trade, while more than two-thirds report they have neither seriously nor vaguely considered such pursuits. However, more than three-quarters of female respondents say they would encourage their children and/or mentees to take up a skilled trade — a slightly higher affirmation rate than among male survey respondents.
The results deliver an updated snapshot of the opinions that Leger first collected on behalf of the survey sponsor, Classic Fire + Life Safety, in 2024. This year’s findings are drawn from 1,508 online surveys submitted between Aug. 8 and Aug. 11, 2025.
In total, 15 per cent of this year’s participants work in the skilled trades, up slightly from 13 per cent in the previous year. Demographically, this represents 22 per cent of male respondents, 24 per cent of survey respondents under the age of 35, and 24 per cent who identify as Black, Indigenous or People of Colour (BIPOC).
Results show a year-over-year uptick in the percentage of respondents who have considered a career in the skilled trades — rising from 40 to 43 per cent. Parsing by gender, 56 per cent of male respondents say they have strongly (24 per cent) or somewhat (32 per cent) considered the skilled trades versus 31 per cent of female respondents.
Respondents who practice or have considered pursuing a skilled trade, rank the primary attractants as: the hands-on nature of the work (50 per cent); earning potential (48 per cent); job security (38 per cent); and opportunity to start their own business (26 per cent). This year, a slightly higher percentage — 11 per cent versus 9 per cent in 2024 — has a family history in the skilled trades. Slightly fewer — 8 per cent versus 10 per cent in 2024 — point to peer or mentor influence.
Preference for white collar employment (indicated by 25 per cent of respondents) continues to be the top reason for eschewing the trades, while 18 per cent also cite ignorance of career opportunities or perceptions that skilled trades are too physically demanding. Fewer than 10 per cent consider perceptions about earning prospects, job status or societal expectations to factor into their choices. Attitudes of parents and teachers also have bearing, but with less negative sway in 2025 (13 per cent) than in 2024 (16 per cent).
A sizable majority (62 per cent) of survey respondents perceive that skilled trades are well compensated, but only one-third say they offer a good work-life balance. Fewer still (31 per cent) agree that a career in the skilled trades is respected in society, but 71 per cent say their own opinions of such employment has improved over time.
A larger proportion of men (44 per cent) than women (37 per cent) say they would choose a career in the trades if they could go back in time, but 79 per cent of women (versus 73 per cent of men) believe the skilled trades present more career options now than in the past. A sizable quotient of respondents had no discernable reason for rejecting the idea of a job in the trades (14 per cent) whereas just three per cent of those who are tradespeople or considering such careers do not know why.
Drilling down to the survey sponsor’s agenda, awareness of life safety career options is less common. In total, 30 per cent of respondents were familiar with fire alarm technicians — 37 per cent of men and 24 per cent of women. Just 22 per cent of total respondents knew about the role of sprinkler fitters — 31 per cent of men and 14 per cent of women. Nevertheless, both trades elicited favourable opinions as a possible career path.
The survey is part of Classic Fire + Life Safety’s outreach and recruitment activities, along with participation in career fairs, co-op programs and internships.
“Staying on top of perceptions and trends in the skilled trades helps us to better promote the industry, highlight the benefits of a career in fire safety and attract new talent to join our teams across Canada,” says Mike Farren, the company’s chief executive officer.
