Which Trade Is Right For Me? 7 Questions to Ask Yourself to Know Which Trade to Pursue

Have you been considering learning a skilled trade? Perhaps you’ve been curious about what it takes to become an electrician, plumber, or home renovator.You may not know it, but Canada lacks workers in the skilled trade sector. The situation will get even more dire when 700,000 tradespeople retire this decade. That means only one thing: whichever trade you decide to pursue, you’ll most likely earn top dollar!Now to answer the question,“Which trade is right for me?” you must ask yourself the following questions:

1. What Are My Interests?

Do you enjoy working with your hands? Perhaps being a woodworker could be a path that interests you. Are you curious about how electricity works and its practical applications in people’s lives and businesses? Then maybe pursuing a career as an electrician might be a great option.Find the time to think about what truly piques your interests and shapes your hobbies, then search for a trade that aligns with those interests.

2. What Are My Strengths?

Practically any skill can be learned through the right education and training. But sometimes, people tend to lean toward trades they’re already familiar with or are good at.For example, if you’re a great cook, you could study to be a chef so you can hone your skills even more. Or, if you’re good at practical work, you could go into plumbing or carpentry.The key is to find out what you’re good at and continue to improve your skillset. It will make getting qualified easier because you’ll pick up the know-how much faster.

3. What’s The Earning Potential of the Trades I’m Interested In?

Does money motivate you? Look into the earning potential of your trade choices to help you decide which one to pursue. There are specialized trades that pay more than others, but here are some of the highest paying ones in 2022:

4. Are There Career Advancement Opportunities?

Often, skilled trades offer different career advancement opportunities. You can also take your career as a tradie in various directions.For example, you can start out as a plumbing apprentice and later on get promoted to a master plumber. Or if you have always dreamt of being in charge at job sites, you could start at a company as a service technician or an electrician assistant and work your way up the ranks until you become a project manager or other senior roles.If you have business acumen, are smart in creating company structures, and can build your own client base, then you could always start your own trade company and be your own boss.

5. Will Taking Career Quizzes and Assessments Really Help?

You can take a career quiz and assessment to help you choose, develop, or even change your career. It’s a great starting point in your journey toward getting to know yourself better.Personality tests can also shed light on what trade may be a good fit for you. It will show you how to find a career you like by matching your personality, interests, and talents to real-life jobs. Take note, though, that there are many factors that must be considered in choosing a trade—and a personality test is simply a tool that will help you get a clearer picture.

6. Is There Anyone I Can Talk to About My Career?

Are you a high school student? Speak with your school counsellor to discuss your options. If you’re considering changing careers later in life, you can schedule an appointment with your local technical school’s advisor to help you go over your career choices.You can also schedule a tour with your local trades college to learn more about their programs, and find which one suits you best.

7. What Else Can I Do to Help Me Decide?

If you’re still unsure which skilled trade to pursue, you could look into schools that offer pre-apprenticeship programs. The intro to home renovation program at Skilled Trades College of Canada is designed to teach students the basics of all relevant construction work, including rough-in plumbing and electrical work, masonry, framing, and more, which is a great way to get your foot in the door if you’re considering trades as a career. You can also conduct an informational interview. You will gain valuable insights into the trade you’re interested in if you speak with people with first-hand experience. Some of the questions you could ask tradespeople are:

• How did you get into this career?
• Where did you go to school/attend training?
• How did you get your first job?
• Could you describe what your typical work day is like?
• What skills are required in your position on a daily basis?
• What’s the most challenging part of your job?
• What part of your job do you find most enjoyable?
• How many hours do you work in a week?
• What advice would you give to others who are interested in this trade?

Take the First Step Towards Your Future at Skilled Trades College

If you’ve spent a while asking yourself, “Which trade is right for me?” and “What trade should I go into?”, we hope this guide helped you get a step closer to figuring out your path. Skilled Trades College of Canada offers pre-apprenticeship training and mentorship for all types of skilled trades. Because we are as invested in your success as you are, we provide our students with the fundamentals they need to excel at a career in trades—from classroom education to quality hands-on training in simulated work environments.So, if you want to start a successful career in trades, enroll now or get in touch with us for more information!