What parents need to know
As a parent, you play a crucial role in helping your child navigate their future. Skilled trades offer meaningful, in-demand, and high-paying careers—but outdated stereotypes can prevent students and parents from exploring all the possibilities.
Apprenticeship is a proven pathway to stable employment, career growth, and lifelong skills. Whether your child loves working with their hands, solving problems, or dreaming of running their own business, the skilled trades could be the perfect fit.
Let’s break down the facts, dispel common myths, and explore how you can support your child on their journey.
Why the skilled trades are a great career choice
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Earn while you learn: Apprentices are paid during their training—reducing or eliminating student debt.
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Job security: Ontario’s growing demand for skilled trades means stable, long-term employment.
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Financial incentives: : Grants, tax credits, and other supports are available for apprentices and employers. Explore financial incentives for apprentices.
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Work anywhere in Canada: Red Seal trades are recognized across provinces, giving certified tradespeople the freedom to work anywhere in Canada—or even abroad.
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Opportunities for growth: Many skilled tradespeople go on to lead projects, run businesses, or train future apprentices.
Common myths about the skilled trades
Myth: Skilled trades are for students who don’t excel academically.
Fact: Trades require problem-solving, technical skills, math, and science knowledge. Many trades also demand precision, creativity, and strong communication skills. Apprenticeship combines in-class learning with paid, hands-on training.
Myth: Trades jobs don’t pay well or offer long-term stability.
Fact: Many skilled trades offer excellent pay, benefits, and job security. Electricians, plumbers, welders, and HVAC technicians are just a few examples of careers that can earn high salaries with opportunities for advancement.
Myth: Skilled trades are unsafe.
Fact: Safety is a top priority in all skilled trades. Apprentices and workers receive rigorous health and safety training, and strict regulations are in place to protect Ontario tradespeople on the job. Continuous safety education ensures that workers are equipped to handle risks responsibly.
Myth: Trades offer limited career growth.
Fact: Apprentices can become certified journeypersons, supervisors, business owners, or industry leaders. Many go on to teach, consult, or manage large projects.
Students at a Level Up! career fair hold a #FutureApprentice sign.
How you can support your child
You play a key role in helping your child explore future career options. By staying involved and encouraging them to consider all pathways—including skilled trades—you can help them find a career that aligns with their passions and strengths. Consider visiting career fairs, touring colleges together, and talking about the variety of pathways beyond university.-
Talk to your child about their interests
Starting the conversation early can make a big difference in helping your child discover a career path they’re passionate about. Every student has unique skills and interests, and sometimes all it takes is the right conversation to spark curiosity about the skilled trades.
- Ask open-ended questions like: “What types of projects do you enjoy working on?” or “Do you like solving problems, building things, or working with your hands?”
- Be open to their interests. Whether they love cars, coding, construction, or cooking, there’s likely a trade that aligns with their interests.
- Explore success stories together. Show examples of tradespeople who have built successful careers, become business owners, or worked on major projects. Real-life examples, like those featured on our Instagram, can help your child see the bigger picture.
- Reassure them about job stability and growth. Skilled trades careers are in high demand, offering strong job security and clear pathways for advancement. Many of Ontario’s most sought-after trades—like carpenter, cook, painter and decorator, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic, and welder—are Red Seal certified, meaning your child can take their skills anywhere in Canada for even more opportunities.
Tip: Keep the conversation positive and pressure-free. Your goal is to help your child see the wide range of possibilities available to them.
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Encourage hands-on experiences through co-op and other high school programs
Encourage your child to meet with their high school guidance counsellor to explore programs like:
- Co-op placements: Gain hands-on experience while earning credits.
- Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP): Start apprenticeship training while still in high school.
- Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM): Focus on a sectors like construction, manufacturing, and transportation.
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Attend a local career fair together
Ontario hosts provincewide career fairs each fall where students and parents can connect with trades professionals and apprenticeship programs.
“Before the career fair, my son wasn’t sure what he wanted to do. But meeting people who work in the trades helped him picture a future
he could get excited about.” — Chelsey, parent
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Talk about the long-term benefits
Discuss how the skilled trades can lead to:
- Financial stability
- Entrepreneurship opportunities
- Job security in high-demand fields
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Explore financial supports
Apprenticeships often reduce or eliminate the need for student loans. There are a variety of grants, tax credits, and incentives for apprentices and employers.
Learn more about financial incentives for apprentices.
Parent perspectives
“My daughter has always loved building things, whether it was block towers as a toddler or fixing her bike in the garage. As she gets older, I want to nurture that passion and show her that working with her hands can lead to a rewarding and stable career. I’m already planning trips to career fairs and workshops so she can explore all the options out there. It’s never too early to encourage curiosity and creativity in the trades.”
—Emily
“When my son told me he wanted to pursue an apprenticeship, I was both proud and a little nervous. But seeing him thrive in his carpentry program—gaining hands-on experience, earning while he learns, and building skills that will last a lifetime—has been incredible. He’s found a career he’s passionate about, and I couldn’t be more supportive. Watching him succeed has shown me just how valuable the skilled trades can be for young people today.”
— Mark
“I’ve worked in various roles, from apprentice to journeyman, supervisor, service manager, and as a certified Joint Health and Safety Committee member. One of my sons works alongside me as a Refrigeration Apprentice, and my other son is beginning his own path as a Construction and Maintenance Electrician through OYAP. I take pride in knowing that I’ve helped shape the careers of the next generation, passing on skills, values, and a passion for the trade that will last a lifetime.”
— Shawn
“Earning my Certificate of Qualification has given me real job security and a competitive edge in my trade. I hope one day my sons will follow in my footsteps and carry on the family legacy.”
— Derek
Browse Ontario skilled trades
Explore different skilled trades and find out the training and certifications you’ll need.
Financial incentives
Find out if you qualify for grants or incentives as an apprentice.