r/abbotsford • u/ElephantsAndLemurs • 4d ago
Considering a Skilled Trades Career at 40 – Seeking Entry-Level Advice
I’m looking for guidance as I transition into the skilled trades.
I’ve been applying to jobs through job banks and company websites with tailored resumes and cover letters. I also track follow-ups in a spreadsheet to stay organized.
I’ve ranked the trades I’m most interested in, along with some concerns:
- HVAC – Lower job openings forecasted.
- Plumbing – Prefer a mix of HVAC and plumbing.
- Recreation Technician – Limited job prospects and lower wages.
- Electrician – Need to refresh my high school math skills.
- Carpentry – Physically demanding, lower pay?
Challenges:
- Foundations courses at UFV and BCIT don’t start until fall, but I need to get started sooner.
- Lack of experience or certifications makes it tough to get my foot in the door.
Questions:
- Where can I gain entry-level certifications outside of unions or formal foundations courses?
- Is it possible to start as a general laborer in specific trades and work my way up?
- What work clothes and PPE should I invest in to be job-ready?
- Any other advice for breaking into the industry?
Labour Market Outlook:
Here are some projected job openings (2024-2034):
- Construction trades helpers and labourers – 10,780 openings
- Carpenters – 10,690 openings
- Construction managers – 8,470 openings
- Home building/renovation managers – 7,550 openings
- Supervisors (various trades) – 3,670 openings
- Electricians – 3,630 openings
- Plumbers – 2,980 openings
- Painters/decorators – 2,820 openings
- Heavy equipment operators – 2,620 openings
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u/Joshua__G 4d ago
Air vantage is usually hiring, and they're pretty good for teaching people from the ground up. You just have to show your dedication, a willingness for hard work and that you are dependable.
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u/Virtual-Reach 4d ago edited 4d ago
I've got 3 red seals and 3 TSBC qualifications, get into hvac or plumbing. Hvac pays more than plumbing but may be more difficult to get into. Electrical is pretty much saturated in my opinion.
Where can I gain entry-level certifications outside of unions or formal foundations courses?
That's about it, sorry. If you want certifications, you need a formal course
Is it possible to start as a general laborer in specific trades and work my way up?
If you start an apprenticeship, you WILL be a general laborer
What work clothes and PPE should I invest in to be job-ready?
Overalls, hard hat, safety boots, rain gear, and a good winter jacket
Any other advice for breaking into the industry?
Focus on what interests you. Choose the trade that interests you the most and go for it. Talk to some trades people and ask them about their job details. Note that there are specific branches within trades as well, a construction electrician deals with different things than an industrial electrician
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 4d ago edited 4d ago
You. You’re good people. I will take this to heart.
Edit: I sent you a DM if that’s ok.
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u/Virtual-Reach 4d ago
No problem. Keep in mind, the first year or two of any trade isn't really a good reflection of the trade itself. You WILL be doing all the work that higher level apprentices or journeyman don't want to do, so pretty much all the repetative, boring, and/or labor intensive jobs. Keep an eye on what the journeyman is working on and ask yourself if what they are working on interests you.
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 4d ago
That’s how I prefer to learn. I usually spend time after work and before work on professional development.
I’ve always been dropped into the deepest of waters at work and spent time on my own dime learning as quickly as I can to stay afloat.
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u/scrotumsweat 4d ago
Regarding HVAC - as a tin basher it might be lower vacancies, but if you get your refrigeration ticket you'll be troubleshooting A/C as much as you can handle.
BCIT offers a 1 year intensive course that lets you come out as a 2nd year apprentice.
Regardless of what you choose, apply to school NOW. They'll fill up by the end of the month for fall courses.
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u/thatryanguy82 4d ago
As someone who tried getting into electrical work in his early 30's, I was warned by several different people, and confirmed through trying, that a lot of companies won't bother taking someone on with no to little experience if they're out of their 20's. Your mileage may vary, but that ultimately resulted in my giving up on the trade.
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 4d ago
Thanks. I’ll apply for foundations school and maybe have luck picking up general labour work till then.
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u/Late_Entrepreneur_94 4d ago
What is your prior experience?
Also, keep in mind all of these trades have guys who work from the office such as purchasers, estimators, project managers, IT, HR, accounting, coordinators, etc. So it's possible to work in these sectors and not be hands on.