“I was surprised that so many people had other careers before getting into a trade.” 

“What has surprised me most about the trades is how much you learn about other trades while working within the reaches of your trade. For example if I need to mount a pipe the easiest way is to hit studs. But for that you have to know the spacing of studs in a wall.”

“I didn’t realize how much planning and organization that goes around to make these jobs happen.” 

“How quickly time goes. Just thinking of when I entered the trades and started my apprenticeship to now has been a wild journey.” 

Did you know?

• Although there has been a big push to highlight trades in high school, it isn’t always entry level or recent high school graduates that get into the industry. More and more people are choosing the trades as a second career! At CLAC, our members who are apprentices are, on average, 27 years old when they enter the trades. Our members have varying levels of experience, including: on-site experience prior to being registered, pre-apprenticeship programs, and experience in other trades or industries.

Did you know?

• Learning how to work and communicate effectively with your team is important to your progression as an apprentice. Asking questions and being open-minded while working on site is crucial to your experience. There are a lot of free online resources to help with developing your communication skills including:

  • Communication - Skills for Success 

  • Talking the Talk 

Did you know?

• Successful projects can only happen if all the pieces are in place. That includes securing the right people for the job—including apprentices! The construction industry historically has been known as a precarious job, but things are changing. As cities continue to grow and Journeypersons retire, tradespeople are even more in demand. Planning starts with you. Review your Logbook frequently and think about what the next week, month, or six months looks like for you (including in-class training offers).

Did you know?

• Time moves quickly in the trades so being prepared is the key to your success! Preparedness can look different for everyone but should include:

  • Budgeting

  • In-Class Training

  • Reviewing your Logbook regularly

  • Tracking your hours

  • Working towards successfully completion the CofQ exam

  • And more!

  Click here to read more about best practices.

“Some of my proudest work is finishing long term projects ahead of schedule and dealing with the difficulties of communicating with office staff to make sure everything is ready to go.”

“I am most proud of how far I've come. Starting out at the age of 20, I didn't know how big of an opportunity I was given. Making so many friends that started out as lead hands and foreman where over the years we have kept in touch, sharing where we are and what jobsite we're on, it's truly a special feeling.”

“My biggest achievement so far would be contributing to the building of the province, solving problems and coming up with solutions rather than reasons. Learning different things about construction in general and thinking differently about tasks. Understanding how we all have to work together to understand what needs to be where and who needs to put up their work first whether it's between plumbing, electrical, sheet metal and drywall...working with guys to ensure all of our jobs are done and no one is making anyone's job harder than it has to be.”

“One of my biggest accomplishments has been working on a retirement home in Vineland, Ontario. It felt incredibly rewarding to apply the skills I’ve learned from previous job sites to this project. Even the clients of the building site were grateful with our progress and provided all of us with a barbecue lunch! Every time I pass by the schools, condominiums, or retirement homes that I have worked at,  I think, "I helped build that," and I feel a great sense of pride in what I’ve achieved.”

“I am most proud of how much I have accomplished and the respect I have gained from my coworkers. I have been part of many projects where I had a big impact on the success and completion of these projects. I have connected very well with my coworkers and put in the effort it takes to make great quality of work.”

“I would say the hardest challenge is learning all the terminology that goes along with it.”

"One on my biggest challenges in the first few months of my apprenticeship would be keeping up with the math."

“My biggest challenge was learning all the different code names for all the material and what they are used for.”

“The biggest challenge I faced the first few months of my apprenticeship was the dynamic of how physical the work could be; going from working a basic factory setting job to a jobsite on the 9th floor where the scaffold was the way to the workstation. Very physical and straining on the body.”

Did you know?

• Reviewing your Logbook can help with understanding the skills and terminology you are learning while on site? Go to the STO website to find your trade Logbook!

• Don’t forget to ask questions. Your team is there to support you and help you understand the skills you’re gaining.

Did you know?

• If math isn’t your strongest skill, we offer resources through our free online Apprenticeship Support Program. Fill out this form if you would like to be registered and find out more about math upskilling.

Did you know?

• Reviewing your Electrical Code book is vital in learning all about the trade. You can purchase a copy or network with your team to see if anyone has a copy to share!

Did you know?

• Depending on your previous experience, getting into the trades can be a very new and physical adventure. Don’t forget to be mindful of your body and the physicality of your work. CLAC provides Health and Safety training to help you out to understand the best practices when working on site.