November 22, 2024
Al Phillips, President
SOCIETY TENDS TO STEER children toward university, emphasizing careers in fields like business, technology or healthcare. But why is there so little encouragement for careers in the trades? Is it because trades are seen as “lesser” or incapable of providing a good living? These ideas don’t capture the real opportunities available in the trades today.
At a recent Long Service Awards and Apprenticeship Banquet, a member of our union came up to me and told me how being in the trades and part of a union has given them a great life. I was inspired by the appreciation and pride they feel, especially as they shared those feelings with newly graduated apprentices who are just starting out.
There’s a common belief that only university leads to success, but the truth is, skilled trades jobs can be just as rewarding, if not more. Electricians, ironworkers, plumbers, and insulators are in high demand, and they earn excellent wages and benefits, especially if they’re part of a union. These are jobs that offer stability and long-term career growth. Skilled trades often offer starting wages that surpass those of many entry-level jobs for university graduates. On top of that, apprentices get the advantage of earning an income while learning their trade, making it financially sustainable from the start. The hands-on nature of the work allows for a sense of daily purpose and tangible results. If more young people were aware of these benefits, they might reconsider their career paths.
We’re fortunate to have programs in our province that introduce students to the trades while they’re still in high school. The Youth Train in Trades Program from SkilledTradesBC, available in various schools, allows students to earn credits toward their diploma while completing Level 1 technical training in a trade. Some of our affiliate unions collaborate with school districts to provide training either in high schools or at a union facility. These opportunities give students a chance to experience a trade before committing to an apprenticeship, offering both early exposure and valuable experience.
Then, there is the Youth Work in Trades Program, also from SkilledTradesBC. The program combines paid, work-based training with a curriculum that focuses on real-world skills. Students can earn up to 16 high school credits while getting hands-on experience and earning money.
Several unions are supporting these programs, including Ironworkers 97, IUPAT DC 38, IBEW 213 and 230, Insulators 118, UA 170 and 516, Sheet Metal 276 and 280, and LiUNA 1611. These unions are helping create a path for students to explore trades careers and get the training they need to succeed.
We should reconsider how we define success for our youth. A career in the trades has provided our Building Trades families with financial stability and the assurance of a comfortable retirement, while also allowing us to take pride in our work. What more could we want for our children? By encouraging them to explore the trades, we open up a future filled with opportunities — one that sidesteps the weight of student debt and emphasizes meaningful, hands-on experiences. Let’s make sure our kids know that a career in the trades is not just an option, it can be the best choice for achieving a prosperous and rewarding career.
By Al Phillips,
President