Is going into the trades a good career or alternative profession?

Generator  by Bart Everson.  CC BY

Skilled tradespeople are in high demand in Manitoba. These are people who have training and experience as electricians, millwrights, brickmasons, and mechanics, to name a few. They can belong to the industrial, construction, transportation, or service trades. A tradesman, in contrast to unskilled workers and professionals, does work that requires manual labor in a particular trade or craft.

Manitoba has nine compulsory trades. These are:

• Construction Electrician
• Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator
• Industrial Electrician
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
• Sprinkler System Installer
• Steamfitter-Pipefitter
• Electrologist
• Esthetician
• Hairstylist

Compulsory means that in order to practice these trades, you must be a certified journeyperson or be registered as an apprentice. If you are an internationally experienced tradesperson or are looking into shifting into the trades, this series of videos features individuals who have successfully gone into the trades as well as information about trades programs that may help you learn more about this career: