In a recent article by Canadian Affairs, journalist Seth Forward examines the growing interest in the trades—and the decline in interest in universities—among young Canadians. Forward points to the job market as one key factor influencing the trend, noting that high unemployment, downsizing among traditional employers of university graduates, and susceptibility of entry-level roles to AI are key factors turning young people towards the trades. In considering the costs associated with each path, the article points to many trades’ paths being shorter than traditional undergraduate degrees, with similar or better early-career salaries. “I think that the messaging of society is starting to catch up with the reality of a skilled trades career,” explained Polytechnics Canada CEO Sarah Watts-Rynard.
