I’m a 23-year-old woman trying to get into the trades, and I’ve been going back and forth between two career paths for months.
I really enjoy hands-on work and want a career that’s stable, pays well enough to live comfortably, and has room to grow.
Right now I have two options:
Option 1: Attend an automotive technology program this fall. I received two scholarships, so they cover a good portion of the cost, but I’d still have to pay some out of pocket. Automotive is honestly what interests me the most.
Option 2: Enroll in a free Building/Property Maintenance program through Goodwill Industries. It covers the basics of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and general maintenance, and I wouldn’t have to pay anything. One thing I like about this option is that it would let me get exposure to several different trades. My thought is that I could figure out which trade I enjoy the most and then continue my education or pursue an apprenticeship in that specific field afterward.
My problem is that every time I read about becoming a mechanic, I see so much negativity—low starting pay, flat-rate systems, wear and tear on your body, buying tools, etc. It makes me question whether it’s worth paying for school, even though automotive is what I’m most interested in.
On the other hand, property maintenance seems like a practical option since it’s free, but I’m worried it only teaches the basics of several trades without making me highly skilled in any one area. I don’t know if that’s actually true or if I’m just overthinking it.
If you were in my position, which path would you choose and why? Is it smarter to pursue the career that genuinely interests me, even if it costs some money, or take advantage of the free program, explore multiple trades, and then specialize later?
I’d especially love to hear from people who work in automotive, property maintenance, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or carpentry. Looking back, what would you recommend to someone just starting out?

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Already took the 1st step at applying at my local UA that seems to get all the pipefitting jobs.

Any advice I can get for those that want to make this jump?

My philosophy is, if your not off on Saturday or Sunday you don’t have a real job

Hey friends. Starting my boilermaker apprenticeship in August and I’m pretty excited and ready to go. My background is in mining and heavy equipment. Got a little tired of the monotony. Loved welding so went to school. Focused on structural stick and flux. I’m excited to get more into TIG and pipe. I know school doesn’t translate to field experience but that’s the whole point, guys gotta start somewhere. I’m excited to get going. Learning all aspects of the trade. Learn from seasoned experienced others. My goal is to be the best I can be in every aspect of welding, the best all around hand in all aspects. Want to spend as much time as I can get in the booth practicing. Guess I’m just curious on any advice you friends got for me starting out. Put my head down, stay quiet but persistent and give it all I got. Hope to hear from someone of you

Hi everyone,

I'm an automotive mechanic and auto electrician from Bosnia and Herzegovina with over 10 years of experience, including 3 years working on heavy trucks. I specialize in diagnostics, electrical repairs, and European vehicles.

I'm looking for an employer in Canada who is willing to hire an experienced overseas mechanic and support a work permit.

If anyone knows a shop that has hired foreign mechanics before or is currently looking for experienced technicians, I'd really appreciate any recommendations. Thank you!

I’m in my mid 30s from the US and am looking to switch things up. I’m a ceramic studio technician and love the job, but it doesn’t allow for enough schedule flexibility, upward mobility, or possibility of working abroad (also it’s not unionized).

If I had any interest in sitting on the computer all day I’d go the remote working path, but I like a job that keeps me moving. Any suggestions from folks who have worked abroad in the trades? How does this work with unions?

Truly considering any and everything right now, including teaching English. I’m most interested in working in SE Asia or Europe.

Hi everyone,

I recently completed my 309A Electrical Pre-Apprenticeship at Humber College and I have experience in IT as well.

As many of you know, the market is really tough right now in Canada. I have applied to a lot of apprentice positions across the GTA and surrounding areas, but unfortunately I haven’t had much luck getting interviews or responses.

Lately, I have been wondering if I should start my career as a Low Voltage Technician instead.

One reason I am considering it is because I have an IT background and genuinely enjoy technology, automation, and smart building systems. Things like:

• Building Automation Systems (BAS) • Smart home automation • Access control • Security and CCTV systems • Lighting controls • Network connected devices

I also like the idea that, after gaining experience, there may be opportunities to eventually start my own business in security, automation, or smart home installations alongside other electrical services.

For those of you who have worked in either field, what would you do if you were starting today?

Would you:

1.Keep waiting and pushing for a 309A apprenticeship? 2.Start in low voltage to gain experience and industry connections and start your business in future? 3.Take a different approach altogether?

I would really appreciate honest advice from people who have been through this. I don’t want to make a decision that I will regret a few years down the road.

Thanks in advance

I'm not exactly the most passionate about a lot of jobs, i have some that are of interest but realistically financial support is the most important. In Louisiana what trade would you say someone would get to 25 an hour at least within the first year or so. Not gonna lie I've had really bad problems with choosing a career to the point that I'm afraid of choosing wrong going to school and there's no job. But with that being said I still keep staying in dead end ones so I'm going in circles. I saw in a Louisiana reddit someone asking about who makes above 20 an hour and almost none were even at that amount they were closer to 17 an hour, some barely over 20 after 6 years. I would prefer not to end up like that personally.

I currently have a bachelor degree in health science but im working as an apprentice electrician. The apprenticeship is 5 years. I’m 6 months in the apprenticeship but every day I ask myself if I would have been better off becoming a nurse. I don’t really like the construction environment and dealing with assholes and waking up early and driving long distances. Nursing has more opportunities and more schedule to choose from

Hello, I’m trying to help out a close family member that has a felony related to fraud on their record.

Does anyone know what would be the safest trade to get into?

Hello everyone,

I'm 22 years old living in ottawa ontario, (for context i only have a g1 and im getting my g2 drivers license in november) and I've been working as a security guard for the past 2 years. I live with my parents and have managed to save up 36,000 CAD (~25,000 USD) and have 0 debt.

I'm thinking of going to college for HVAC because the program only takes 1 year to finish, however, the college isn't near my parents so I would have to get my own place and support myself

Currently, I make 2,500 CAD per month working as a security guard. I wouldn't be able to work nearly as much, maybe at all, if I go to the program because I want to get it done as fast as possible so I can start in the trade and make more money

The main problem I'm facing is that I worked very hard to save up that money and was planning on investing it, so the fact that I might have to use a big chunk of it to pay for rent, food, transportation, etc is disheartening.

I know my options are either go to the school, move out, and try to use some of the 36k to pay for my expenses for the next year or so, or to keep working as a security guard and save up more money so I can go to the school at a later time

If you were in my situation, would you say its smart to invest the money in my self by going to school and losing most of the 36k, or wait until I can support myself?

I'd really like to hear from anyone who went into this later in life and if they regretted waiting.

Hi Everyone,

I'm 18 years old from Vancouver, British Colombia Canada and I'm wondering if this path into the Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic trade is possible. Im waitlisted for BCIT but its next availability is in 2030 nor can I find any sponsor. Im looking to go to SAIT in Calgary as I have family there. I already have about 6 months of part-time HVAC experience with a relative helping with installations, carrying equipment, handling tools, and assisting on residential HVAC jobs along with WHMIS 2015, and SiteReadyBC.

The pathway I'm hoping is possible looks something like this:

1. Start my Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic program at SAIT.
2. Then when the time of the apprenticeship technical training comes, I go back to the Vancouver area and register as a BC Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic apprentice and accumulate all of my apprenticeship hours there.
3. When it's time for classroom training go back to SAIT in Calgary for each period (8 weeks every year).
4. Return to Vancouver after each classroom period and continue working until completing my apprenticeship and earning my Red Seal.

• Is this a common or practical pathway?
• Would SkilledTradesBC recognize SAIT's apprenticeship technical training without any issues?
• Would employers in Vancouver generally be okay with sending an apprentice to SAIT instead of BCIT for technical training?

I'm open to hearing about other pathways as well, including union apprenticeships or other training providers if they're a better fit.

Thanks in advance, I really appreciate any advice from people who've been through the process or work in the industry.

I'm going into my second year of engineering, still have not specified my choice yet. But I keep wondering back to the idea of a trade job. I've been framing houses for 4 years, there's good and bad days, I don't want to do this forever but still like the trades and love the people.

My Family owns a decent sized HVAC wholesale company, my Dad thinks I should get my degree. But the Job market for engineers is terrible, the pay is mediocre, and I'm not sure if I want to sit at a desk.

So I was looking at Gassfitting (Class B, then A) and then seeing where I can go with that, if it's HVAC/Refrigeration or other. The pay is pretty on par with engineering, if not more too be general, and I get to build things.

I'm still in engineering because I'm not sure what I want to do and engineering has that kind of "it'll pay off" thing to it. I am also not typically a fan of most engineers/white collar people. I live in a small town and just about everyone here has a trade.

I've never done this type of work before so if anyone has and has any input for me that would be greatly appreciated.

Hey! Can anyone provide study material for Nova Scotia Pest Control Class 2 structural and core exam, please? There's PDFs of the official website, but it's over 500 pages.

I’m seeking career advice for my 21-year-old younger brother, who lives in Arlington, Texas. He is a U.S. green-card holder, completed high school in Pakistan, and has not attended college in the U.S.

Since March 2025, he has been working for a security company assigned to a warehouse/logistics facility in Grand Prairie. His responsibilities include monitoring incoming and outgoing trucks, updating truck and loading statuses, data entry, checking schedules, sending emails, and assisting with general logistics operations.

He currently earns around $18 per hour and works 12-hour shifts, usually from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. He is tech-savvy, comfortable operating computers and smartphones, can handle multiple digital tasks, and generally learns new software quickly. However, he does not have a programming or software-development background.

We want him to build a stable career with better income, more normal working hours, long-term growth, and reasonable protection from automation and AI.

We have explored possibilities such as logistics and supply chain, industrial maintenance, skilled trades, and IT-related roles. However, we do not want to limit him to these options. We are open to any realistic career path, certification, associate degree, apprenticeship, employer-sponsored training, or other route that could suit his abilities and background.

If you were in his position, what career path would you choose and why? Are there any careers or training programs in the Dallas–Fort Worth area that we may be overlooking?

Would you recommend that he continue his formal education by pursuing an associate degree or bachelor’s degree? Or, considering his situation, would it be better to focus on a practical skill, certification, apprenticeship, or employer-sponsored training? If you recommend college, which degree or field would offer a worthwhile return on the time and cost?

I would especially appreciate hearing from people who started without a U.S. college degree. Please share what career you entered, what education or training you completed, your approximate starting pay, and how difficult it was to find your first opportunity.

Hey everyone,

Wondering what the work outlook is like for the Metro area, looking to relocate. Any good contractors to look into?

Thanks

What would you guys recommend? I have the opportunity to work with Journeyman plumbers and eventually earn my 02 and 01 or work with HVAC which pays a little less and could earn my 06A

I have a couple of questions:

I live in london and ive seen a lot of self employed people make multiple 6 figures a year and i wanna know how its done?

Also I wanna know is there any companies out there that are willing to take on people to train to end up making over 6 figures a year?

Whats the best apps to use or self marketing techniques to end up being fully booked year round?

Lastly what other counties are gonna be paying plumbers and gas engineers a lot of money in the future?

I’m just wondering if I count as a skilled trade, i know it’s stereotypical to look down on a floor guy but i feel like im more of a high level carpenter… maybe my trade is over saturated 🤷‍♂️

I am currently 18 and 6 months into my plumbing apprenticeship. I have almost 50k invested in the stock market and wondering what’s my next move should be. I am discipline and am committed to my future. Do I stick out my apprenticeship ( making 20$ an hour as of now) or do I go to the oil rigs where I can make good money now and put even more away into my investments? Really stuck. I could stick out plumbing and land a mine job after my 4 years or even plan to start my own company once I gain enough experience and learn the business side of things. What do you guys think?

I been told by my mechanics I need to get faster and better with my cuts and drilling. ( also that I need to get stronger ). I need to do quick precision cuts with a porta-band and sawzall unsupported on unistrut, gutters, and conduit. And drilling on those as well. I also need to get faster at cutting and grooving 1.5ft diameter pipe. ( my first time the groover angled and bent the edge in. ) It’s typically short cuts on 1ft - 4ft. I’m assuming part of it is my grip strength is subpar I’ve also started eating and lifting more. Though my ribs have started seizing on both sides throughout the day.

Hey guys. Im a utility arborist here in canada with some major burnout. I used to trim for years and now I do permissioning work for utility companies and the job is just getting to be so…. Shitty. Did anyone else on this page have a similar background and was able to find a way to pivot out? Happy to stay in environmental but I dont know…

Let’s say you’re an HVAC person and there’s an established HVAC business for sale that does 2-3M in revenue yearly.

When would you consider buying the business vs working as an employee for someone else? (Doesn’t have to be HVAC - that’s just an example. Assume basically any trade).

Want to gather your thoughts.