August 19, 2020
Have you been considering a job in trades? Do you have a background working in construction, mechanics, or hairdressing? Have you been looking for work for a long time with little luck?
Or, are you coming from a different industry and hoping to make a career shift? Are you interested in long-term job security and are ready to move to an in-demand industry?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should seriously consider a job in trades.
In today’s uncertain job market, many people are turning their career radars toward trade industries as many of these businesses continue to operate, whether there’s a pandemic or not.
If you’re already in trades, you may be wondering the best way to apply for some of the lucrative job postings floating around. I’ll take you through the process of finding a job in trades in this guide.
First, let’s start with the basics.
Typically, a trade job refers to any line of work that requires advanced training and skills. You can gain experience through formal education, apprenticeships, on-the-job experience, or a combination of the above.
The specific route you take to get into a skilled trade depends on the type of work you’re interested in doing.
There are various skilled trade industries out there, and each one has its own path. Generally speaking, these are the steps to find a job in trades:
If you have yet to do so, I highly encourage it. Quality employers will check that you have a base education as it’s proof that you’re teachable.
From auto mechanics to cosmetology – skilled trades are related to all aspects of modern living. Based on your interests and natural skills, you’ll need to pick your line of work.
For jobs that require advanced training, you’ll need to enroll in a secondary education program and/or an apprenticeship.
Electricians, plumbers, and sheet metal workers all need licenses, as do many other trade jobs.
The above steps are a fairly basic overview of getting into a trade. But as I mentioned, each career path has its own approach. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular trade jobs out there and how to become employed in them, whether you have several years of experience or none.
Mechanical Trades refer to jobs related to the maintenance, testing, and operation of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning systems, water systems, sewer and storm systems, natural gas systems, propane systems, automobile services, vertical transport, etc.
As you may have guessed, you’ll likely need to have certification to be able to work in most mechanical trades.
Potential careers include HVAC installer, machinist, locksmith, elevator mechanic, auto mechanic, mechanical drafter, mechanical installer, etc.
If you have completed your education and have on-the-job experience, you are ready to start applying for some of the exciting job posts you may have seen online. Before you start your job hunt, you’ll need to spruce up your resume so that you’re a standout candidate. Resume Ninjas can help you build an industry-appropriate resume to help you connect with your desired network and land your dream job quickly.
The days of dropping off your resume at a shop have come to an end. At Resume Ninjas, I can help you navigate some of the online job boards to find relevant postings. One of my favourite boards is The Government of Canada Job Bank, an excellent online resource to find available jobs. Indeed and WorkBC are also popular for trades job postings.
Later on this guide, I’ll take you through the standard online application process so that you’re familiar with how to apply for a job online.
To work in mechanics, you’ll need a formal education. In Canada, you must complete a registered apprenticeship in your chosen field. These apprenticeships typically combine paid hands-on work experience with classroom training. Paid hands-on work experience helps you balance the cost of education and ensure that you can make a living while learning.
To get an apprenticeship, you’ll need to do a little bit of networking to find a sponsor who will agree to take you on as an apprentice. If, for example, you are interested in becoming an auto mechanic, you’ll need to find a shop that is willing to have you as an apprentice. You’ll then have to register as an apprentice with your provincial trade certification body. Simultaneously, you’ll need to enroll in a trade program at a vocational school, like the British Columbia Institute of Technologies (BCIT) automotive technician foundation program.
Once you’ve completed the prescribed number of apprenticeship hours and your school training, you’ll need to pass an exam. For maximum labour mobility, you can choose to take an interprovincial exam. If you pass your test, you’ll receive a Red Seal endorsement, which allows your credentials to be recognized across Canada.
Construction Trade jobs are some of the most in-demand jobs in Canada right now because they cannot be outsourced to other countries. Additionally, these jobs won’t be lost to automation. With residential and business properties being built or renovated all over Canada, construction trade jobs offer opportunities across provinces.
You may or may not need to have certification to be able to work in a construction trade. It depends on the required skill set for the specific job in question.
Potential careers include carpenter, electrician, painter, mason, carpet installer, plumber, landscaper, etc.
If you are a skilled construction worker with experience, you can begin your search online. Most construction firms will post job openings on their company website. A quick google of “construction” in your city will give you a list of companies in your area. If you don’t see any job postings on their website, you can cold call to see if there are upcoming opportunities.
Your search should not stop there. While Craiglist might not be the first thing that comes to mind, plenty of construction jobs are posted on the website. I also recommend the BC Construction Job Centre and WRKS: The Construction Hiring Network for job listings.
Before you start applying, you must build the best possible resume for your job hunt, but more on that later in the guide.
There are construction jobs available that require little formal education and there are construction jobs available that require an advanced skill set, like carpentry.
For example, a construction labourer does the physical labour on a construction site. This is a job that requires little education or previous experience. Construction labourers help operate and care for construction equipment, prep construction sites by clearing obstacles and hazards, load or unload construction materials, and remove, fill, or compact earth. The typical requirements to get a job as a construction laborer include having a driver’s license, high school diploma, the physical capability to perform strenuous tasks, and a willingness to work in any type of weather.
For a career as a carpenter, a more advanced skill set needs to be built. This means a formal education and an apprenticeship. Some aspiring carpenters will go as far as taking up pre-apprenticeship training to understand the craft. In pre-apprenticeship training, students learn health and safety training, how to read blueprints, and how to use a basic school kit. By attending these early sessions, students can meet potential apprenticeship partners who can offer in-depth training.
According to Herzing College, a carpentry apprenticeship takes a total of 7,200 hours (three to four years) to complete and includes both on-the-job training and classroom instruction. After this period, carpentry students take an exam to become certified.
Culinary Arts and Cosmetology jobs are considered trade jobs. While some skilled tradespeople work with cars, plumbing, and pipes, others choose to work with hair, make-up, or food. With trades like these, you can work for other companies or harness your skillset to build your own small business.
You may or may not need to have certification to be able to work in culinary arts or cosmetology. It varies from job to job.
Potential careers include hairstylist, nail technician, makeup artist, chef, baker, pastry artist, restaurant manager, etc.
Culinary aficionados with education and/or previous experience can find employment in restaurants, cafes, hotels, cruise ships, catering companies, private homes, etc.
Foodwork.ca is an excellent resource for those looking to further their culinary careers. Upwork is another website with plenty of food-specific jobs for freelancers that are looking to work with a variety of clients.
Cosmetology jobs are wildly varied. With a cosmetology license, you can pursue more careers than you can imagine. From styling to retail management to consulting, the world is truly your oyster.
Websites like Indeed and Monster are a great place to start. However, these websites aren’t entirely targeted toward the cosmetology industry. The best way to find a job is to get to know your local salons, spas, and beauty businesses. Leverage your community and network to find a good fit or to find private clients.
In the culinary world, it’s possible to get a job with little to no experience. If you’re able to demonstrate that you know your way around a kitchen, you can get a job as a line cook at a restaurant. Getting into a kitchen is usually easier when you know the owners, so if you already work in the industry as a server, busser, or dishwasher, ask your boss to let you spend a couple of hours a week in the kitchen, even as a volunteer. This is a quick way to learn the ropes.
Another alternative is to go to culinary school. Vancouver Community College, Western Canada’s largest culinary school, helps you learn the necessary skills through demos and hands-on experience. They also offer a Red Seal program, which demonstrates that your skills are transferable across Canada, allowing you to find work with ease anywhere.
Working in cosmetology without a formal education is risky and potentially illegal. If you’re interested in a career in the beauty industry, school is essential. Vancouver Community College has a cosmetology program designed to meet the training needs of the industry. Their curriculum features classroom learning and hands-on practical experience at salons or spas. Through placements at school, most students can find potential job opportunities after they’ve graduated. Additionally, the school provides you with certification so that employers know that you’re bringing quality and safety to the table.
Now that we understand the vast array of trade jobs out there let’s talk about how to apply for them online.
First and foremost, you need a resume. Whether you’re a painter, molder, or hairdresser, a stand-out trade resume will take you a long way on your employment search.
Getting your resume in front of an employer is not as simple as walking into their organization and dropping it off. In this digital age and in the time of COVID-19, online applications are the way to go for employment inquiries.
You’ll need to build a resume that you can send easily from your email address. When applying for jobs with massive corporations, it’s essential to realize that it’s often computer software – not the employer – who will first review your resume. Resume bots or applicant tracking systems (ATS) automatically scan, sort, and rank resumes based on employer criteria. As such, you’ll need a strong resume to make it past the automation process of hiring. To stand out in the ATS phase, you can optimize your resume with specific job-related keywords. For example, ZipRecruiter recommends including the following words for a mechanical trade job (if applicable to your experience): oil changing, electricity, automotive brakes, heavy equipment, etc.
Even if you’re not applying to a large corporation, optimizing your resume helps you stand out to potential employers. At Resume Ninjas, I can help you navigate these keywords to get your resume in front of human eyes.
It depends on the employer, but some companies may ask for a cover letter in addition to your resume. A cover letter is a document that is sent with your resume to provide additional information about your background and experience. Cover letters allow you to tell the employer why you’re best suited for the job.
A cover letter is not a place to rehash what’s on your resume. Instead, a cover letter allows you to express why you’re a strong match. If a job posting asks for a cover letter, you must take the time to write a good sales pitch for yourself.
Once you’ve written your resume and cover letter, it’s time to email the employer or apply through their online application portal.
Do you feel ready and motivated to get out there and land the job of your dreams? Resume Ninjas is here to help you succeed in your trade job search. From helping you tweak your resumes, cover letters, and applications, to coaching and networking advice, contact us to accelerate your career.
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Services Provided: Resume Optimization, Career Coaching, Interview Preparation
Backstory: This client worked in IT but was unmotivated and emotionally checked out. Though his job was “stable,” it didn’t bring joy—and his partner was beginning to question.
Backstory: This client worked in IT but was unmotivated and emotionally checked out. Though his job was “stable,” it didn’t bring joy—and his partner was beginning to question where his life was going. Fear of leaving the comfort zone and not knowing where to start had kept him stuck for years.
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Client Type: Re-entering Workforce | Domestic
Control Survivor
Industry: Undisclosed (Anonymized for privacy)
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Backstory: This client reached out in secret. In a controlling marriage where financial transactions were monitored, she couldn’t even send an e-transfer or use a card.
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Industry: Laser Hair Removal & Skin Care – elegancestudio.ca Aesthetics & Personal Services
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Backstory: This client was more than just a job seeker—she was a mother, a caregiver, and a woman trying to rebuild her life after years of financial struggle.
Backstory: This client was more than just a job seeker—she was a mother, a caregiver, and a woman trying to rebuild her life after years of financial struggle. Working as a secretary while raising three children and supporting a husband with mental health challenges, she realized minimum wage wouldn’t be enough to sustain her family. She dreamed of doing something more fulfilling, something hers—but she questioned whether it was too late.
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