The skilled trades offers every person the opportunity to develop an incredibly successful and rewarding career.
As the need for a new and more capable workforce skyrockets across many private and public industries, there has never been a better time to consider a job in the skilled trades. Canadian infrastructure is expanding, technology is advancing, and new sectors are developing quickly. A wave of retirements in the workforce is opening up thousands of opportunities, making this the ideal time to explore a future in the trades.
Operating engineers are essential across many sectors. They work on construction sites, in mining and resource development, power generation, industrial plants, and large-scale energy projects. They are also the integral team members who manage complex systems in hospitals, data centres, and everywhere in between.
For years, misconceptions held people back from entering the trades. That’s beginning to change. More and more Canadians are recognizing that these are well-paying, stable, and respected professions offering long-term benefits like pensions, job security, and meaningful work.
Advancing excellence
To grow the workforce and address labour shortages, it’s important to continue to keep breaking down barriers. Skilled trades careers offer endless potential, with work opportunities all over North America. Canadian Operating Engineers Joint Apprenticeship and Training Council (“COEJATC”) is helping lead the way, representing eight Canada-wide IUOE training centres providing necessary career-defining skills for a wide range of operating engineer trades, including crane operators, heavy equipment operators, construction mechanics, and stationary engineers. As the backbone of Canada’s economy, these workers are some of the most highly skilled tradespeople in the nation.
COEJATC’s provincial affiliated training centres offer extensive training and skills improvement programs to uplift and advance its members’ careers. “Our state-of-the-art training centres across Canada give workers the skills they need to succeed and to build a fulfilling, rewarding, and high-paying career,” says Patrick Campbell, speaking on behalf of COEJATC. Offerings include training in mobile and tower crane, heavy equipment operation, stationary engineering, health and safety, and pipeline construction.
Empowering every individual
What’s more, breaking down long-held stigmas is an essential step in diversifying the skilled trades workforce. Across Canada, COEJATC’s affiliated training centres, from coast to coast, are championing inclusivity and working to create a culture where every person sees a place for themselves in the trades.
One of COEJATC’s core priorities is increasing the participation of women, Indigenous Peoples, and individuals from other underrepresented communities in the trades. The International Union of Operating Engineers’ Tradeswomen Committee is one example. It supports and promotes the interests of all current and future tradeswomen and encourages more women to become operating engineers.
Diversity is the key to maintaining a vibrant and successful workforce. The skilled trades offer people from all walks of life a clear path to personal and professional success. With competitive wages, job stability, and the chance to build something tangible, the skilled trades are a promising option for anyone ready to take on a meaningful career.
Learn more about operating engineers and where our training centres are located at coejatc.com.
