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Young Canadians faced a frustrating job market in 2025, driven by an economic downturn and U.S. tariffs that stifled hiring and business expansion.
Canada's youth unemployment rate edged up to 14.7 per cent in September - aside from the COVID-19 pandemic, it was the highest rate seen in 15 years, according to Statistics Canada.
While employment in many traditional service sectors has declined, skilled trades continue to offer high-paying, in-demand employment opportunities, according to Skills Ontario, a non-profit organization that promotes skilled trade careers.
Ian Howcroft, Skills Ontario's CEO, said despite recent economic uncertainty and a slowdown in the home construction industry, Ontario continues to experience a high demand for skilled workers.
The province recognizes 144 skilled trades, covering everything from construction to cooking and hairstyling.
Howcroft said large infrastructure projects, such as roads, highways, hospitals and schools, will drive a continuing need for trades such as industrial electricians, welders and boilermakers.
The top 10 in-demand skilled trades...