Are you ready to take your future into your own hands and jumpstart a career that offers both exciting challenges and rewarding opportunities? The world of skilled trades is calling—and it’s waiting for passionate, driven students to step in. Skilled trades are essential to our everyday lives and offer a world of career possibilities. The best part? Students can start building their paths to success while still in high school!
At the OCSB’s Elite Skilled Trades Academy, we not only focus on providing students with the technical skills they need to thrive in the workforce but also emphasize the importance of social responsibility and community collaboration. Our students are working on impactful projects that give back to the community. For example, carpentry students are building sheds for CFB Petawawa’s Military Family Resource Centre, while automotive students are planning to repair donated cars which will be gifted to deserving members of the community. These initiatives are just a few ways our students are contributing to a better, more connected world while gaining real-world experience in their trade.
Through programs like the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and the Elite Skilled Trades Academy, students can gain hands-on experience, earn certifications, and even start their apprenticeships before graduation. Let’s explore how these programs can set you up for a future full of opportunity.
What Are Skilled Trades?
Skilled trades are professions that require specialized training and expertise, providing exciting opportunities across numerous industries. Some of the most in-demand trades include:
- Construction: Carpenter, Electrician, Mason
- Industrial: Welder, Machinist, HVAC Technician
- Motive Power: Automotive Service Technician, Diesel Mechanic, Motorcycle Technician
- Service: Chef/Cook, Hairdresser/Barber, Horticultural Technician
With over 140 recognized trades, there’s no shortage of opportunities for students to explore.
Why Pursue a Career in Skilled Trades?
Skilled trades offer numerous benefits, including:
- Job Security: The demand for skilled tradespeople is high, with Ontario needing 100,000 new tradespeople in the coming decade (Source: news.ontario.ca).
- Advancement & Earning Potential: Many trades offer higher salaries than white-collar jobs. Skilled tradespeople also have the opportunity to move into managerial roles or start their own businesses.
- Opportunity: With industries such as construction, manufacturing, automotive, and culinary arts facing a shortage of workers, there’s never been a better time to enter the skilled trades.
Debunking Common Myths about Careers in Skilled Trades
There are several myths about skilled trades, and it’s important to separate fact from fiction:
- Myth: Trades are for low-achieving students.
Fact: Trades require rigorous training, covering complex subjects like math, physics, and chemistry. - Myth: Trades are dangerous.
Fact: Tradespeople follow strict safety protocols, and with proper training, trades are much safer than often assumed. - Myth: Trades are for men only.
Fact: More women are entering the trades, supported by mentorship programs, networks, and scholarships. - Myth: Trades are physically demanding.
Fact: Many trades, such as Electricians or HVAC Technicians, involve technical work rather than physical labour. Trades like Masonry or Construction Craft Worker are more suited for individuals who prefer an active career.
Explore Skilled Trades Career Opportunities While Still in High School
Students can start their careers in skilled trades before graduating. Through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and the Elite Skilled Trades Academy, students gain valuable work experience and industry certifications and can even earn money while learning.Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) allows students to attend high school while training as registered apprentices. Benefits of participating in OYAP include:
- Earning credits toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- Gaining apprenticeship training that counts toward a formal certification
- Working with employers who provide real-world training
- Accessing free college-level apprenticeship courses
To participate, students must be at least 16 years old and have completed 16 credits. Once in Grade 11 or 12, students can sign a Registered Training Agreement with an employer, officially becoming an OYAP apprentice.
The Elite Skilled Trades Academy
The OCSB’s Elite Skilled Trades Academy offers specialized training in:
- Carpentry: Students learn to build and repair structures made of wood, such as houses and furniture. (2 semesters, Grade 11 and 12)
- Masonry: Students focus on constructing and repairing structures with brick, stone, and concrete. (1 semester, Grade 12)
- Automotive: Students gain hands-on experience in repairing and maintaining vehicles, including engines and mechanical systems. (Full year, Grade 12)
The Advantages of Joining the Elite Skilled Trades Academy
- Partnerships with Employers: Direct connections with employers who offer ongoing training and apprenticeships.
- Hands-On Experience: Students work with real tools and equipment, gaining practical experience.
- Free College-Level Apprenticeship Courses: These courses are at no cost to the student, providing a head start on apprenticeship.
- Structured Pathway: Extensive support helps students transition into full apprenticeship programs.
Get Started Today!
The skilled trades industry offers countless opportunities. Students should speak with their guidance counsellor or co-op teacher to learn more about OYAP or the Elite Skilled Trades Academy. Start earning, learning, and building a future in the skilled trades.
