Careers in the Skilled Trades
In 2019, the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF) published a report exploring the experiential learning opportunities available for Indigenous high school students interested in skilled trades. Experiential education provides important introductory opportunities to learn about the skilled trades, use hand tools and equipment, connect to employers and gain initial work experience.
There are three main types of programming—trades exploration, trades and technology courses, and youth apprenticeship programs—offered by schools, Indigenous education and training organizations, non-profits, unions, industry associations and colleges throughout the country, many of which are designed specifically for Indigenous youth.
According to the report, one of the main barriers holding Indigenous students back from entering these programs is a lack of awareness of their existence. And so, SAY would like to share a brief summary of each type of program outlined in the report in the hopes that it will help youth discover a meaningful career in the trades.
Trades Exploration Programs
Open to all students, trades exploration programs help introduce elementary and high school students to the different career opportunities available in the trades, along with future trades and technology classes, or apprenticeships. Several provinces and organizations have implemented programs, such as try-a-trade workshops, camps, conferences, presentations, tours and job fairs. Skills Manitoba started inschool presentations in Northern Manitoba in 2013, and since then they’ve seen participation in high school apprenticeship programs increase by 39 per cent.
Trades and Technology Classes/ Co-ops/Work Placements
According to the 2015 National Apprenticeship Survey, 1 in 5 Indigenous students participate in high school co-op programs. In these programs, students complete hands-on learning in a shopstyle classroom, such as woodworking or automotive, and may complete co-op or work placements with employers for high school credit. Indigenous students who participate in trades and technology classes and/or co-ops/work placements demonstrate better attendance at school, increased motivation to learn math and improved employability skills. Some programs help students develop real-world skills through culturally-relevant activities. Louise Dean High School in Alberta, for example, incorporates beading, sewing moss-bags or ribbon-skirts, and cooking traditional Indigenous food in its culinary and fine arts programming.
Youth Apprenticeship Programs
Most provinces and territories have a high school Youth Apprenticeship Program for students aged 16 years or older. Although program requirements are unique, in general, credits towards a high school diploma are earned while working for an employer in a skilled trade. Students may even graduate high school with the first level of their apprenticeship completed. Fifteen per cent of 2015 National Apprenticeship Survey respondents reported being in a Youth Apprenticeship Program. These programs also help develop valuable employability skills, such as punctuality and workplace communication.
Promoting Careers in the Skills Trades to Indigenous Youth in Canada, written by Emily Arrowsmith, Ph.D., and funded by Indigenous Services Canada. To read the full report, visit