The Shifting Landscape of Education and Employment: A Focus on Skilled Trades in Canada

Recent surveys indicate a significant shift in Canadian attitudes toward education and employment pathways, particularly regarding skilled trades versus traditional university education. As Canada grapples with youth unemployment and evolving labor market dynamics, understanding these changes is vital for future workforce planning.

Growing Preference for Skilled Trades

A comprehensive survey conducted by the Environics Institute, Diversity Institute, and Future Skills Centre (FSC), in partnership with the Government of Canada, reveals that a majority of Canadians now favor skilled trades and apprenticeship programs over general university education. According to the Upcoming report, 56% of Canadians would advise a young person to enter a job-oriented trade school or apprenticeship program, compared to just 26% who would recommend a general university program. This marks a significant shift in public perception and reflects deeper societal changes surrounding education and employment.

Historical Context

Interestingly, the preference for trades training has been growing over the past three decades. In a series of Environics Focus Canada surveys conducted as far back as 1995, 52% of respondents chose trades training, a figure that has since climbed to 56%. Conversely, support for general university programs has dwindled, dropping from 39% to 26%. This trend raises questions about the perceived efficacy of university education as a reliable pathway to employment.

Erosion of the University Education Stigma

Wendy Cukier, a professor of entrepreneurship and innovation at Toronto Metropolitan University, notes that the stigma surrounding skilled trades is fading as more people become aware of the lucrative job opportunities within these fields. Cukier emphasizes that Canadians are not dismissing the value of a university education outright; rather, they are becoming increasingly skeptical of its effectiveness in securing quality jobs, especially given rising student debt burdens.

The Employment Landscape for Youth

Currently, the youth unemployment rate in Canada remains elevated at 14.5%, near levels not seen since 2010. While previous years saw youth employment rates hovering around 58.4%, this figure has plummeted to just 53.8% in August 2025. With job opportunities for young people declining, the increasing popularity of trades aligns with the practical need for stable employment.

Regional and Demographic Variations

The survey reveals notable regional and demographic disparities in preferences for employment pathways. For instance, residents from the Prairie and Maritime provinces exhibit a stronger inclination toward recommending trades (65%) compared to those in Newfoundland and Labrador (50%) and Quebec (55%). Additionally, Indigenous (65%) and Black (64%) Canadians are more likely to recommend trades compared to their South Asian counterparts (55%) and Chinese Canadians (38%).

The Demand for Skilled Trades

The growing preference for skilled trades resonates strongly in today’s labor market, which faces a critical shortage of skilled workers. With an aging demographic and a significant number of retirements expected in the skilled trades over the next few years, industry analysts project a need for 167,000 new apprentices by 2028. Such data underscores the pressing need for educational institutions and policymakers to focus on pathways that meet employer demands.

The Future of University Education

While the current climate favors trades, there is still a vital role for university education in preparing graduates. The need for innovative supports to help university graduates transition into the workforce is more crucial than ever. Programs that integrate work experience with academic education are essential for equipping graduates with the skills necessary for long-term success.

Cukier emphasizes the importance of accurately communicating the evolving landscape of employment opportunities: “Perceptions are not always aligned with reality.” To foster informed choices among youth, comprehensive data and resources must be made available.

Key Findings and Implications

The survey also uncovered compelling insights:

• Sixty percent of Canadians agree that a college diploma or university degree is essential for obtaining a good job.
• Seventy-seven percent believe that skilled trades guarantee decent employment opportunities.
• Among those with skilled-trade credentials, 68% advocate for trades as a preferred route for young people.

These figures highlight a collective recognition of trades as a viable career pathway, vital for the continued economic growth and infrastructure development in Canada.

Conclusion

The transition in Canadian attitudes towards skilled trades marks a pivotal moment in education and workforce development. As youth unemployment continues to pose challenges, both workplace integration programs and effective communication tools will play crucial roles in guiding young people toward resilient career choices. By embracing and promoting the benefits of skilled trades, Canada can ensure a robust future for its economy and workforce.