Mentor Riley: How to Choose the Right Skilled Trade for You

We’re back with another post in our Mentor Series, this time from Riley Chafe, who’s sharing helpful advice for anyone trying to figure out which skilled trade is the right fit.

Whether you’ve known you wanted to work with your hands since Grade 9 shop class, or you’re just starting to explore, Riley offers real-world guidance to help you make an informed decision.

Finding a Trade that Fits

“Maybe the inspiration came from a shop class you took in school, or you happened to see a tradesperson in action and thought, ‘I could do that.’ Maybe your uncle or your friend’s older sibling mentioned their work, and it caught your interest. Whatever the reason, you’ve decided the skilled trades are for you.

For some people, choosing which trade is a no-brainer. They’ve been inspired by a specific worker or even had the chance to try the trade out. For others, it’s a tougher decision, especially since most people haven’t had the chance to try out different trades in school. What does it take to become an electrician? What does a boilermaker’s day look like? What even is a millwright?

A good place to start is with your connections. While having an ‘in’ isn’t essential, it can definitely help you get started. So, think about your extended family and your social circle: who do you know that’s working in the trades? Reach out, ask questions, and learn about their workdays. You might discover something that really clicks with you. And if your search turns up nothing, don’t stress. Lots of people enter the trades with no connections at all and go on to build great careers.

Another way to narrow it down is to think about what you already enjoy. If you’re into cars, maybe you’d enjoy working on them. If you had fun building a shed with your parent once, carpentry could be a fit. Maybe electricity sparked your interest in physics class. Or maybe you love to cook or are fascinated by fashion and hairstyling…those are trades too! Pull up a list of Red Seal trades and look for anything that connects with your interests.

Eventually, you’ll need to do some research. Watch videos, read about the tools, work environments, and training paths. Find out what’s in demand where you live, because the local job market matters. If you’re in an area with a lot of construction, there may be opportunities for carpenters or electricians. If there are refineries nearby, you might look at pipefitters or millwrights. If your town is mostly farmland and the tallest building is a grain silo, maybe elevator mechanic isn’t the best fit—but agricultural equipment mechanic could be.

You should also think about money. While you shouldn’t choose a trade only for the paycheque, it’s smart to know what different trades earn and whether that lines up with the lifestyle you want. If you’re torn between a few options, that might help you decide or rule something out.

In the end, you have to take action. Once you’ve narrowed it down, try something. Talk to someone, apply for a co-op, or go after an apprenticeship. Even if it’s not the perfect fit, it’s a starting point. And that’s what matters.” — Riley Chafe, SOY Mentor

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

Whether you're leaning toward one trade or still exploring your options, Riley’s message is clear: start where you are, use the tools around you, and don’t be afraid to take that first step.

If you're ready to get started, Support Ontario Youth can help. Explore our Trades Readiness Program. Want to test the waters? Sign up for one of our Tools in the Trades Boot Camps!

Have questions? Reach out! We’d love to help! And stay tuned for more stories and advice from mentors who are walking the walk in trades they love.