As an immigrant in Canada, finding a stable and well-paying job is crucial to building a successful life in your new home. While the job market can be competitive, one area that consistently offers opportunities is skilled trades.
Canada is in high demand for tradespeople, and learning a trade can be a direct path to a secure and prosperous career.
Whether you’re new to the workforce or looking to change careers, acquiring skills in areas like plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, or welding can greatly enhance your employability. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key trades you should consider learning to not only survive but thrive as an immigrant in Canada.
Trades You Should Learn To Survive in Canada as an Immigrant
1. Hairdressing/Barbering
Did you know that hairdressers and barbers are among the most in-demand jobs in Canada? Hair keeps growing, so there’s always a need for people who can cut and style it. With so many people needing haircuts every day, this service is a necessity rather than a luxury. As the population grows, so does the demand for skilled barbers and hairstylists.
As a barber or hairdresser, you can earn between $72,900 and $109,500 per year, especially in urban areas where the demand for beauty services is higher. You can work in salons, beauty spas, barbershops, or even as a freelancer. Canada’s diverse population means you’ll work with clients who have various hair types and styles, making your job both dynamic and rewarding.
If you’re thinking about a career in hairdressing in Canada, it’s a good idea to get advice from local beauty associations or licensing authorities to make sure you meet all the necessary requirements.
2. Tailoring
The demand for tailoring in Canada varies depending on the region and local fashion trends, but skilled tailors are always needed for custom clothing, alterations, and personalized designs. In cities with diverse populations and thriving fashion scenes, the demand for tailoring services is even higher.
The typical salary for tailors in Canada is around $35,100 per year, with entry-level positions starting at $31,200 and experienced tailors earning up to $45,307 annually. Establishing a loyal customer base and staying up-to-date with fashion trends can help you succeed in this competitive market.
3. Cooking
If you don’t know how to cook your local dishes, it’s wise to learn before moving to Canada. Cooking at home can save you a lot of money, as eating out can get expensive over time. Beyond personal benefits, cooking skills can also open up job opportunities in international restaurants once you arrive in Canada.
You can even offer cooking classes or cater for events, both of which are in high demand. In Canada, the average salary for cooks is $31,200 per year, with experienced cooks earning up to $40,950 annually.
4. Electrician
Becoming an electrician in Canada can be very lucrative since this skill is in high demand. Electricians install, connect, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industries.
The salary range for electricians in Canada is between $39,000 and $91,000. To work as an electrician in Canada, you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship, pass the required exams, and obtain a license.
5. Plumbing
If you enjoy working with your hands, solving problems, and interacting with people, plumbing could be a great trade to learn before moving to Canada. Plumbers install, repair, and maintain pipes and plumbing fixtures in homes and businesses.
Plumbers in Canada can earn between $39,000 and $86,000 per year. You can work for construction companies, manufacturing firms, or even start your own plumbing business.
6. Event Planning
Event planning is a booming industry in Canada, offering many opportunities for those who love organizing and coordinating events. Event planners design, manage, and execute events like weddings, conferences, corporate gatherings, and more.
In Canada, the average salary for an event planner is $66,679 per year. To succeed in this field, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure.
7. DJ
Being a DJ in Canada can be a very profitable career. DJs are responsible for playing recorded music at events such as concerts, clubs, festivals, and radio stations.
The average annual salary for a DJ in Canada is around $71,027. If you enjoy music and entertaining crowds, this could be a great trade for you.
8. Photography
If you love taking pictures, you might want to consider turning your passion into a source of income. Photography is a well-paying trade in Canada, where photographers capture events, people, and scenes for various purposes.
Photographers in Canada earn around $46,898 per year, with experienced photographers making up to $64,866 annually. To succeed, you need to provide high-quality services and continually improve your skills.
9. Makeup Artist
Makeup artistry is a profitable skill in any country, and Canada is no exception. If you enjoy making people look their best, this could be a great trade to learn before moving to Canada.
Makeup artists in Canada can earn up to $86,239 per year, with those working in fashion shows, television, or for celebrity clients earning even more.
10. Cobbler
Cobblers are skilled artisans who repair and make shoes. In Canada, some people prefer fixing their old shoes instead of buying new ones, creating opportunities for cobblers to earn money.
The average salary for cobblers in Canada is around $38,363 per year. Providing quality work and excellent customer service can help you build a successful business.
Conclusion
Learning a trade can be a game-changer for immigrants looking to establish themselves in Canada. Trades like plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, and welding not only offer stable and lucrative career opportunities but also provide a pathway to integration and success in a new country.
By mastering a skill that’s in demand, you can secure a strong foothold in the Canadian job market, ensuring financial stability and a fulfilling career. Investing time in learning a trade can be one of the most practical and rewarding steps you take as an immigrant, helping you thrive in Canada’s diverse and dynamic economy.