Demand for Red Seal Trades – Future Projection

Employers cherish the Red Seal certification because it promotes excellence, instills pride in outstanding individuals, and facilitates their flexibility.

The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum's (CAF-FCA) Apprentice Demand in Red Seal Trades projects that 163,785 additional journeypersons will be needed between 2021 and 2025 to sustain workforce certification levels throughout 56 Red Seal trades in Canada.

To fulfill this predicted demand, Canada will need 375,026 apprentices over the next five years. The following red seal trades are in high demand:

-Automotive service technician

-Boilermaker

-Bricklayer

-Carpenter

-Construction electrician

-Cook

-Hairstylist

-Heavy-duty equipment technician

-Millwright

-Mobile crane operator

-Plumber

-Refrigeration/AC mechanic

-Sheet metal worker

-Steamfitter/Pipefitter

-Welders

Demand for boilermakers will significantly outpace supply across the country during the next five years. Plumbing looks to be in demand, but HVAC mechanics and steamfitter/pipefitter credentials appear to be in short supply, according to the projection.

With 70,000 experienced tradespeople expected to retire by 2028, the pipeline will be stressed, with skilled labor actively departing the market and insufficient apprentices in the pipeline to replace them.

Despite accounting for 20% of the population, immigrants account for just 8.7% of apprenticeships. With just 2,365 participants meeting the government skilled trade program's standards, Canada is falling short of its target of importing 3,000 competent tradespeople each year. The Canadian government invests heavily in apprenticeships through grants, loans, and tax credits, as well as employment insurance benefits during in-school training, project financing, and red seal program assistance. Over the next five years, Canada is anticipated to face a shortfall of at least 10,000 employees in recognized red seal trades, with the number increasing tenfold when 250 provincially regulated skills are included.

As a result, the federal government of Canada is working with provinces and territories to harmonize apprenticeship-training requirements in the Red Seal Trades. In its Budget for 2021, the Government of Canada intends to raise the incentive to $10,000 for enterprises that recruit Canadians from under-represented groups, such as women and persons with disabilities, in order to enhance diversity in Red Seal Trades. The Canadian government has extended the deadline for applying for Canada Apprentice Loans until March 31, 2023. These measures will help to ensure that people who choose to work in the skilled trades have the necessary assistance.