Labour Market predictions:

• In the next two decades, 40% of new jobs will be in the skilled trades and technologies. In 1998, that number was less than 20%.
• Many more people in the skilled trades are retiring than are entering the system. The hardest-hit industries will be manufacturing, construction, petroleum production and transportation.
• The Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association forecasts a 42% vacancy rate for skilled trades by 2007, which represents nearly 34 000 jobs but only 20 000 skilled workers available.
• The vacancy rate for skilled trades will grow to 50 000 unfilled jobs by the year 2010, according to the Information Technology Association of Canada.
• According to Job Futures 2000, by 2007 more than one-third of jobs created in Canada will require a skilled trade designation or a college diploma.

Potential earnings:

• Apprentices are able to combine in-school training and work which reduces their debt load; however, university graduates in the year 2000 often left school with an average debt of $19 500 (The Daily, National Graduates Survey).
• Many skilled tradespeople now earn six-figure incomes with excellent benefits.
• A journeyperson certificate can lead to employment that provides an income level that is 3% higher than the average income for all educational levels (Statistics Canada).
• Although wage rates among the trades vary, more than 20 different trades can provide earnings substantially above average. For example, tool and die makers earn about 23% more than the average. Machinists can earn wages about 6% above the average, and electricians can earn 16.5% above the average (CFIB, 2003).