Why the Trades Could Be the Best Career Choice for You
If you’re trying to decide what to do after high school, or thinking about switching careers, there’s one path that more people need to look at. Skilled trades are in high demand, and in the Grande Prairie region, they offer great pay, steady work, and real career growth.
You might hear a lot about high-tech jobs and artificial intelligence right now. But here’s the truth. AI can’t fix your furnace. AI can’t install your plumbing. And AI definitely can’t wire a house safely.
We will always need skilled tradespeople. Here’s why learning a trade could be one of the smartest moves you make.
1. The Pay Is Strong and the Demand Is Real
In the Grande Prairie region, trades like HVAC, plumbing, welding, and electrical work pay well. Some experienced tradespeople earn over $100,000 a year. There are jobs open right now, and more are coming as the local economy grows.
Employers are looking for reliable workers who want to learn and grow. Many are willing to train the right people, which means you can start your career without spending years in school.
2. You Learn While You Earn
Most trades use an apprenticeship model. That means you work and get paid while you learn. Instead of piling up student loans, you get hands-on experience and a steady income right from the start.
You will still take short-term courses to learn the technical side, but most of your learning happens on the job. It is a smart way to build skills and find out if you enjoy the work before investing years and money into school.
3. You Can Keep Growing
A trade is not a dead-end job. Many people start in a trade and later move into leadership, management, or business ownership. Some even go on to university for engineering or other programs, using their trade experience as a strong foundation.
No matter your future plans, having real-world experience helps you stand out. You will have something practical to build on.
4. AI Can’t Replace What Tradespeople Do
You may have seen AI writing essays or creating art online. But when it comes to the real work of building, fixing, and maintaining homes, AI cannot compete.
Only trained people can safely install a furnace, repair a water heater, or wire a home. These are hands-on, skilled jobs that require thinking, problem-solving, and experience. They are not going away anytime soon.
5. Local Jobs That Make a Difference
Trades keep our communities running. In the Grande Prairie region, there is a growing need for tradespeople in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
When you work in a trade, you help families stay warm, keep buildings safe, and support growing industries. These jobs matter, and they are respected in the community.
We Need More People in the Trades
At LSM, we are proud to support trades training and skilled workers. Many of our team members started as apprentices and have built lasting careers. We know the value they bring, and we know how much we will need them in the years ahead.
If you or someone you know is thinking about a new direction, take a look at the trades. It is a smart choice that leads to real opportunity.
Call 780-532-4418 or visit us to learn more about the trades that support our homes and businesses in the Grande Prairie region.
