TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hold onto your hardhats – a Leger survey commissioned by Classic Fire + Life Safety on the perceptions of Canadians towards the skilled trades offers riveting findings. Conducted this fall, the Measuring Up The Trades study reveals that 40 per cent of Canadians have considered a career in skilled trades, yet only 13 per cent currently work in the field. 52 per cent think more highly of the trades now than they did a few years ago, while 80 per cent believe there are more options for employment than before. The study joins a growing body of research suggesting that previously-held stereotypes towards these careers are on their way out – 42 per cent surveyed would choose the skilled trades as a career if they could turn back the clock, and 78 per cent would encourage their children or others to consider a career in the trades.
“In many circles, the trades are the talk of the town,” says Stanley Owah, Talent Acquisition Specialist at Classic Fire + Life Safety. “People are clearly interested in the field, but not enough have taken the plunge. I can tell you from first-hand experience that the benefits are tremendous. It is worth jumping in!”
Classic Fire + Life Safety, the funder of the study, plans to commission this research on a regular basis to help both the company and the industry address the workforce shortages needed to meet rising demand. By collaborating with industry partners and trades education programs, the company aims to encourage more individuals to pursue careers in the skilled trades. Earlier this year, Classic Fire + Life Safety partnered with Honour the Work, a rapidly growing non-profit organization dedicated to promoting careers in the skilled trades.
Honour the Work agrees we are in the early days of seeing a significant shift in perception of skilled trades careers that is increasingly being seen across various sectors of Canadian society – from colleges and universities to all levels of government and right down to individual families.
“Canadians are realizing that these careers are not only in high demand, but also financially lucrative and directly correlated to our collective wellbeing through areas such as housing, clean energy and public infrastructure,” says Angela Coldwell, Founder of Honour the Work. “Educators, for their part, are starting to introduce the skilled trades at an earlier stage, peaking of course at high school. The old thinking was that post-secondary education meant attending college or university. But that’s not the whole picture. Apprenticeship is a growing third form of post-secondary education leading to great STEAM careers for Canadians who learn and work their head and hands, simultaneously.”
The study reveals that the gap in perceptions versus reality is narrowing. 62 per cent of Canadians say they believe the pay is good, for example, while 47 express a belief that skilled trades jobs are stable and 45 per cent believe it provides opportunity for small business development.
In 2022, Classic kicked off the first phase of a multi-year recruitment campaign to build its team of fire alarm technicians and sprinkler fitters to a total 400 in its 12 branch locations across Canada. The campaign generated tremendous results – the company hired more than anticipated and now employs a total of 422 technicians and fitters. Some joined through standard job postings, recruitment at trade fairs and other methods, while others joined the company through its mergers and acquisitions – a total of seven since 2022. The company continues to actively look for talent as well as independent companies that wish to join forces and grow together.
Classic, like Honour the Work, has also heightened its partnerships with secondary and post-secondary institutions. Over the past few years, the company has participated in more than a dozen career fairs at schools like Seneca College and Fanshaw College, as well as local municipality fairs. The fire safety company runs recruitment, internships and co-op programs in partnerships with these colleges and others and intends to grow these programs on an annual basis to help fuel its growth plans.
“Our employees know we will invest in them, grow their careers and show everyone equal respect,” continues Owah. “We train, we introduce new avenues and opportunities, we make room for professional and personal development—and the word gets out. Candidates are hearing about our business and seeing opportunities. We receive frequent calls from skilled professionals and recent graduates asking if they can come work for us.”
To see the complete findings of the survey classicfls.com/measureup.
Methodology
Commissioned by Classic Fire + Life Safety, the Leger survey was conducted online between the September 27 to 29, 2024, with a sample size of 1,626 Canadians, 18 years or older. The quota was determined to ensure that the data encompasses sufficient samples from all major subgroups, aiming to be as representative of the target population as possible. A similar probabilistic survey would have a margin of error no greater than +2.5% (19 times out of 20).
About Classic Fire + Life Safety
Classic Fire + Life Safety is a total fire and life safety company servicing the needs of organizations and institutions – large and small, private and public. The group of companies under the umbrella of Classic Fire + Life Safety is now staffed by more than 1000 professionals who, together, are committed to helping organizations enjoy a safe environment where they can grow and offer their products and services to their customers and partners. Classic Fire + Life Safety owns and operates Apex, a fire sprinkler fabrication and supply company, and Northern Sprinkler Design, a fire sprinkler design and engineering services company and Edge Fire Protection, a full-service fire protection contractor serving customers throughout Southern and Atlantic United States.
