Why Aren’t More Young People Choosing the Trades?

There’s a serious issue facing our industry today—and it’s something I’ve been talking about for years. We simply don’t have enough skilled workers to meet demand. The skilled trades shortage in Canada is affecting everything from homebuilding and renovations to essential infrastructure. If we don’t act now, it’s only going to get worse.

That’s why we kicked off Season 5 of the Holmes on Homes Podcast with one of the most important topics we’ve ever covered “Why is There a Shortage of Skilled Trade Workers? How VR Training and Early Education Can Help Solve the Problem”

In this episode, I’m joined by my daughter Sherry Holmes, Contractor and advocate for women in trades, Frank Melecca, a high school renovation teacher at Judith Nyman Secondary School, and Shawn Smith, Chief Operating Officer of LogicalDox, who’s bringing VR trades training into classrooms across the country.

The Skilled Trades Shortage: What the Numbers Are Telling Us

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We can’t solve a problem without understanding what’s driving it. The shortage of skilled trade workers isn’t new, but the latest data shows us just how serious it’s become.

Fewer Young People Are Choosing Careers in the Trades While Older Workers Are Retiring

We looked at the latest numbers from Stats Canada, and the data is clear. Between 2016 and 2021:

• The number of skilled workers over the age of 65 went up by nearly 12%

• Meanwhile, youth participation in the trades dropped by over 12%

That’s a big red flag. The experienced workforce is retiring, and we’re not seeing enough new talent entering the industry to replace them. This is a serious concern for the future of safe, high-quality construction in Canada.

What’s Keeping Young People Out of the Trades?

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There are a lot of reasons why fewer youth are choosing a career in construction or skilled trades. Most of them have nothing to do with the work itself. Before we can attract new talent, we need to understand the barriers.

Outdated Perceptions Are Holding Us Back

One of the biggest reasons for the shortage is the way we talk about the trades. Too often, skilled trades careers are seen as a last resort or a backup plan. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

The reality is, skilled trades are essential jobs. We need electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and other professionals to keep our homes and cities running. These careers are hands-on, well-paying, and incredibly rewarding. It’s time we treated them that way.

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A Lack of Early Exposure to the Trades

In many schools, students aren’t introduced to trades until it’s too late. By the time they’re encouraged to consider them, they’ve already made other plans.

That’s why programs like Judith Nyman Secondary School’s skilled trades rotation program are so important. They give grade 9 students hands-on experience early, so they can see what a career in the trades really looks like before we ask them what they want to do for a living.

Virtual Reality Is Changing How We Train Skilled Workers

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We can’t talk about the future of the trades without talking about technology. One of the most exciting parts of the podcast episode was learning about how Virtual Reality (VR) is being used to train students in the trades. Shawn Smith from LogicalDox showed us how VR can create immersive, realistic environments where students can practice everything from wiring a circuit to framing a wall, without needing a full job site setup.

This kind of virtual reality construction training makes the trades more accessible, safer, and scalable for schools. It’s helping students gain confidence and technical skills before they even pick up a tool in the field.

Why VR Training Makes a Big Difference

For schools that don’t have access to full shop classes or construction equipment, VR trades training can level the playing field. It’s scalable, flexible, and tech-forward, which makes it more appealing to young people growing up in a digital world. It’s also a great way to introduce trades to students who might never have considered them otherwise.

Which Skilled Trades Are in High Demand Right Now?

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Not all trades are facing the same shortages. Some areas are especially desperate for new workers, and they come with big opportunities for anyone willing to step in.

If you’re wondering which trades offer the most opportunity, here are a few areas with growing demand:

• Electricians

• Plumbers

• Carpenters

• HVAC technicians

• Welders

• Roofers

Many of these trades are essential for building and maintaining homes, which means demand will only keep growing. But remember, the more competitive is the harder the barrier to entry.

On the other hand, some of the trades that are least popular right now, like Masontry, are actually the ones with the biggest job opportunities. That’s why it’s so important to give young people real exposure to the wide range of careers available in construction and skilled trades.

 

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Why We Need to Support Skilled Trades Education Early

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If we want strong communities and safe homes, we need to support the people who build them. That starts with investing in education, mentorship, and training opportunities for youth interested in the trades.

Trades Training for Youth Starts in High School

We need to give students the chance to explore these careers early—ideally in high school. That’s where professionals like Frank Melecca come in. He’s helping students at Judith Nyman Secondary School get exposure early on in the trades, as well as the proper training to graduate feeling confident as you enter the field. Programs like these are essential for bridging the gap and inspiring the next generation of trades professionals.

Parents, Educators, and Communities All Have a Role to Play

We all have a part in changing the conversation around the trades. Parents and teachers play a big role in shaping the next generation’s career choices. We need to empower them with the information and tools to help students see the value of skilled trades, not as a backup plan, but as a first choice.

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I’ve always said that building it right means building with the right people—and that starts with investing in skilled trades education and giving young people the tools and encouragement they need to succeed.

The skilled trades aren’t just jobs—they’re careers with purpose. And if we want a future with safe, sustainable homes and communities, we need to start by supporting the people who build them.

 

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Where To Listen to Mike Holmes’s Holmes on Homes Podcast

Listen to new episodes of Season 5 of the Holmes on Homes Podcast every Thursday, available on all podcast streaming platforms including Mike Holmes’ YouTube Channel as well as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Looking for a new podcast? The Holmes on Homes podcast isn’t just for pros—it’s for anyone who wants to build better, live healthier, and feel more confident in their home decisions. Mike Holmes brings it all—expert interviews, lessons from the jobsite, and thoughtful conversations. Each episode delivers honest insights, expert advice, and the kind of practical knowledge that empowers you to take action.

About Mike Holmes

Through popular TV shows like the groundbreaking Holmes on Homes, Mike Holmes educates homeowners about the importance of hiring qualified tradespeople and doing the job right the first time. Holmes actively promotes careers in the skilled trades, encouraging young people to pursue rewarding opportunities in construction, plumbing, electrical work, and other essential fields. His dedication to improving industry standards has made him a trusted voice in home improvement and an advocate for the skilled trades.

About Sherry Holmes

Sherry Holmes, daughter of renowned contractor Mike Holmes, is a skilled contractor and television personality. Following in her father’s footsteps, she brings her expertise in home renovation to various projects. Passionate about quality craftsmanship and helping others, Sherry contributes to making homes safer and more sustainable.

She actively supports and promotes youth and young women in the trades through organizations like Skills Canada, World Skills, and Conestoga College’s Jill of All Trades. Sherry is also an official Meagan Bebenek Foundation ambassador and spokesperson, dedicated to raising awareness and funding pediatric brain tumour research.

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