Top Demand Trades

According to B.C.’s Labour Market Outlook: 2024 Edition, a variety of industries are expected to have over 105,300 job openings in the skilled trades over the next 10 years. These occupations require on-the-job training and in-class training and offer excellent earning potential.

See the 15 trades with the largest number of job openings below. Learn more about each of these trades, including education, training and qualification requirements, annual earnings, the annual employment growth rate, and so much more.

Discover how you can participate in B.C.’s growing economy and begin your journey toward a rewarding career in the skilled trades.

Labour Market Outlook 2024 - Top Trades Occupations

Job Openings

2024-2034

Cooks

9,160

Carpenters

11,880

Construction trades helpers and labourers

12,300

General building maintenance workers and building superintendents

6,070

Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers

5,310

Hairstylists and barbers

5,560

Heavy equipment operators

5,140

Bakers

3,440

Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)

3,260

Electricians (except industrial and power system)

4,280

Welders and related machine operators

3,130

Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics

2,810

Heavy-duty equipment mechanics

2,440

Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)

3,100

Plumbers

3,230

Learn about SkilledTradesBC’s Top in-Demand Trades. SkilledTradesBC bases their top in-demand trades on several criteria, including: Labour Market Outlook Information, apprenticeship registration and trends, industry feedback and historical and forecasted training seat requirements.

Discover trades training in the K-12 school system with SkilledTradesBC’s Youth Programs.
 
Check out SkilledTradesBC’s trades success stories.
 
Find a trade program or search for a seat by program or institution with Trades Training BC.
 
Learn about the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program, which sets common standards to assess the skill of tradespeople across Canada. A Red Seal endorsement indicates that a tradesperson has demonstrated the knowledge required for their skilled trade.