Top Demand Trades
According to B.C.’s Labour Market Outlook: 2021 Edition, a variety of industries are expected to have thousands of job openings in the skilled apprenticeable trades over the next 10 years. These occupations require on-the-job training and in-class training as a prerequisite, and offer excellent earning potential.
See the 15 trades with the largest number of job openings below. Learn more about each of these trades, including education, training and qualification requirements, annual earnings, the annual employment growth rate, and so much more.
Discover how you can participate in B.C.’s growing economy and begin your journey toward a rewarding career in the skilled trades.
Labour Market Outlook 2021 - Top Trades Occupations
|
Job Openings
2021-2031
|
| Cooks |
12,470 |
| Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers |
6,620 |
| Construction trades helpers and labourers |
6,340 |
| Hairstylists and barbers |
6,070 |
| Carpenters |
5,830 |
| Construction electricians |
3,750 |
| Heavy equipment operators (except crane) |
3,620 |
| Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) |
3,600 |
| Welders and related machine operators |
2,970 |
| Plumbers |
2,880 |
| Bakers |
2,860 |
| Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics |
2,790 |
| Heavy-duty equipment mechanics |
1,790 |
| Aircraft mechanics |
1,650 |
| Plasterers, drywall |
1,370 |
Learn about
SkilledTradesBC's (STBC) Top In-Demand Trades. STBC bases their top in-demand trades on several criteria, including: Labour Market Outlook Information, apprenticeship registration and trends, industry feedback and historical and forecasted training seat requirements.
Discover trades training in the K-12 school system with
STBC’s Youth Programs.
STBC's Champions of Apprenticeship are recognized for their outstanding achievements in B.C.’s apprenticeship system.
Find a trade program or search for a seat by program or institution with
Trades Training BC.
Learn about the
Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program, which sets common standards to assess the skill of tradespeople across Canada. A Red Seal endorsement indicates that a tradesperson has demonstrated the knowledge required for their skilled trade.