The skilled labour shortage in Canada is affecting all areas of the home building industry. Builders have tried to bring in craftsman with the appropriate skills from other countries, but this has proven to be difficult; there are shortages occurring in Europe, too. The good news is that young Canadians who are eager to make a good life for themselves will find terrific career opportunities in residential development and construction.

From experience, I can tell you that this business is rewarding in many ways. The industry has been really good to me from the time I was 15 and got a job in shipbuilding in Scotland. Even at that young age, I enjoyed the satisfaction of achieving something solid and lasting, and I knew that building in some shape or form would always be a part of my life. I often hear from people in residential construction how satisfied they feel when they drive past a new home community they helped to create.

There is, however, a big difference between my entry into the trades and that of many Canadians today - the attitude of their parents. In the UK and Europe, trades people are cherished, and families celebrate the entry of one of their loved ones into the construction industry. Here, people in general seem convinced that university is the expected educational route for bright students to take after high school.

I’ve been interested in this topic since 1988, when I headed up a government project called Future Building 88. We brought youths from schools across Ontario to the Metro Convention Centre and made them aware of career options in building. Today there are a number of wonderful co-op programs going on involving builders working with high school students, trades and government to expose youths to these opportunities first-hand.

On the academic front, a lot of university graduates are attending college to help them get a job - and many of them who enjoy working with their hands are taking up a trade so they can enter the industry with education and hands-on experience. We have a tremendous network of colleges across Ontario that have courses in everything from heating, ventilation and air conditioning techniques to carpentry, welding, electrical, construction, architectural studies, construction management and trades, mechanical engineering, cabinet making, landscaping, and environmental technology. Several colleges offer apprenticeship and certification programs.

Trades people make great money, which appeals to all ages and both genders. Women are entering the trades more than ever before, and I’m thrilled about that. Around 15 years ago, I had a crew that included the first female framing carpenter in the GTA. Canada found out during the Second World War just how capable women are in the trades, when they stepped in and handled these jobs for the men going off to fight, and they’re every bit as smart and able today. I’d love to see the number of female trades people increase even more in the future.

I suggest that parents of grown children encourage them to do what will make them happy, and if that means entering the trades, then be proud and supportive. I love the thrill of construction – always have. I go out onto our sites every day, and I’m proud of the wonderful, hard-working people who get the job done.

The bottom line is, if you can work with your hands, you’re in great demand now, and you will be in the future. Remember, there’s is a huge potential for advancement in our industry. Many builders start as handymen or site clerks and work their way up. With the boomers aging, more and more trades people are poised for retirement, and these good-paying jobs are just waiting for someone who isn’t afraid of a little hard work to step in and take over.

If you live in the GTA, check out the trades programs offered at Durham College, George Brown College, Humber College, Seneca College and Sheridan College. Then dig into a fabulous new career!

Hugh Heron is Principal and Partner in the Heron Group of Companies, President of Heathwood Homes and a Member of the Board of Directors of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, as well as a Past President of the Toronto Home Builders’ Association and the Ontario Home Builders’ Association.