Interested in the Trades? Here are 5 In-Demand Trades You Should Consider

Before reading the article, this article only has the most basic information of the Red Seal Endorsement Certificate and the jobs that are in-demand currently, as of May 11, 2022.

The Red Seal Endorsement is a certificate that holds high regard to any tradesperson. It is basically a sign on your neck saying: “I am qualified for the job”, without any of the condescending tones one gives out when saying it because you actually have the right to say it.

According to the Government of Canada’s website, the top five jobs in Canada, with the most coverage are:

Automotive Service Technician
Carpenter
Cook
Hairstylist
Welder

On average, Red Seal Endorsed certified workers make as low as $63,259 and as high as $84,748, with a median of $71,273 as according to Talent.com, as of May 11, 2022.

In this article, we will go through what they are and what they do, just keep in mind that you must have completed a list of prerequisites before you become your desired occupation, and you can check each occupation’s prerequisites when you check out their respective Statistics Canada links. However, generally, it will ask that you have completed your secondary school and the occupation’s specific apprenticeship programs or have job experience first before qualifying for the Red Seal Endorsement certificate. But without further ado, the following are brief overviews of the top five in-demand trade jobs in Canada.

1. Automotive Service Technician (High demand in Alberta, BC, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan)

I like to call them “vehicle doctors” because that is what they are. They generally repair, inspect, and service any vehicle that is not considered heavy duty equipment, the type you would see in construction sites. At that point, it is the job of the Welder, but right now, you are responsible for keeping one of, if not, the most used mode of transportation in Canada operating and getting people on time from point A to point B without any issues.

On average, in Vancouver BC as of April 28, 2022 (recorded on May 11, 2022), Automotive Service Technicians earn $28.16 per hour or $66,088 annually, according to Indeed.ca.

For Automotive Service Technicians, the exam prep course is based on competencies, according to the Red Seal Occupational Standards. You would be tested on theory and practical skills, which include, but not limited to, drivelines systems, engine support systems, steering systems, and suspension systems.

You can check our Automotive Service Technician Red Seal exam prep course page for more information.

2. Carpenter (High demand in Alberta, Atlantic Canada, BC, and Saskatchewan)

Carpenters are like artists, they have power that can range from creating beautiful works of art to everyday objects that everyone needs, like cabinets, doors, tables, or pretty much anything that can be crafted out of wood. Besides creating, carpenters also have the ability to maintain and repair structures so long as they are made of wood or something similar to it. The possibilities are there for you, you could be your own boss and do the work yourself, or you could be part of the process of an intricate sculpting process where you would be in charge of “finishing” a sculpture.

On average, in Vancouver BC as of April 28, 2022 (recorded on May 11, 2022), Carpenters earn $30.35 per hour or $77,355 annually, according to Indeed.ca.

For Carpenters, the exam prep course is based on competencies, according to the National Occupation Analyses. You would be tested on theory and practical skills, which include, but not limited to, safety, concrete, doors, windows, walls, ceilings, and organization.

You can check our Carpenter Red Seal exam prep course page for more information.

3. Cook (High demand in Alberta, Atlantic Canada, Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan)

These people are the ones that are responsible for feeding the population, including people like you and me. Although you can cook for yourself, when equipped with the right tools, methods, and ingredients, you can make money by making food for other people. Without them, with their culinary creativity and science, we would still be eating nothing but raw fruit and vegetables. There even is a dedicated science, called Gastronomy, that pushes the limits of what food can do, albeit being safe to eat or how different tastes can be blended together. They are artists in their own right.

On average, in Vancouver BC as of April 28, 2022 (recorded on May 11, 2022), Cooks earn $18.42 per hour or $55,400 annually, according to Indeed.ca.

For Cooks, the exam prep course is based on competencies, according to the Red Seal Occupational Standards. You would be tested on theory and practical skills, which include, but not limited to, sanitation, protein based foods, sauces, produce, and desserts.

You can check our Cook Red Seal exam prep course page for more information.

4. Hairstylist (High demand in Atlantic Canada, BC, Quebec, and Saskatchewan)

Hairstylists are self-explanatory, they style your hair. However, they have the power to define the hairstyles of your average Jane and Joe. Hairstylists have the skill to give you the trendiest hair or create the trend themselves. They could work in normal places like your average hair salon, or if you have the skills and the courage, you could see yourself in establishments that help bring the looks of your favourite media stars onto the big screen.

On average, generally in Canada as of April 28, 2022 (recorded on May 11, 2022), Hairstylists earn $16.99 per hour or $48,859 annually, according to Indeed.ca.

For Hairstylists, the exam prep course is based on competencies, according to the Red Seal Occupational Standards. You would be tested on theory and practical skills, which include, but not limited to, health and safety, facial grooming techniques, and the environmental impacts of hairstyling.

You can check our Hairstylist Red Seal exam prep course page for more information.

5. Welder (High demand in Alberta, Atlantic Canada, BC, Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan)

Much like Carpenters, you are a “creator” but with metal. For standard work, you put metal pieces together to manufacture and repair items that require said metals. Examples include aircraft, ships, and even heavy machinery that the Automotive Service Technicians could not do. Keep in mind that they are in charge of the big stuff and welding exclusively, so unless you want to be a supervisor or an electronics welder, it is an entirely different occupation altogether.

On average, generally in Canada as of April 28, 2022 (recorded on May 11, 2022), Welders earn $25.91 per hour or $54,683 annually, according to Indeed.ca.

For Welders, the exam prep course is based on competencies, according to the National Occupation Analyses. You would be tested on theory and practical skills, which include, but not limited to, welding processes, fabrication, cutting, and gouging.

You can check our Welder Red Seal exam prep course page for more information.

Conclusion

If you still think that you have to go through the process of finishing high school, getting a degree in university, covered with written tests galore, just to get a job, well think again. You can go straight to earning a good wage, so long as you have the energy and the drive, you can start your trades career today. All you need is to learn the right skills, gain some experience, then obtain the Red Seal Endorsement, and you will be making a substantial income in no time. Note that Employment and Social Development Canada (Federal Agency) promotes tradespeople obtaining their Red Seal Endorsement qualifications, so that means when obtaining one, you would be in higher demand than just having the occupation by itself. And if you already have the qualifications, congratulations! When you are ready, complete a Red Seal exam prep course with us and get the recognition you deserve.