This study addresses labour shortages that are predicted in the skilled trades workforce as a result of the country’s aging population. It highlights immigration as a way to address the problem.

The authors used data from the Longitudinal Immigration Database and the Education and Labour Market Longitudinal Platform to examine outcomes of post–secondary education and apprenticeship training after migration. Findings indicate that 1.5% of principal applicants achieved a skilled trades certificate after seven years, with 15.2% completing other post–secondary education. Most immigrant skilled journeypersons were male and had less education levels. The majority intended to work in the skilled trades once in Canada, and identified construction and industrial electrical work as the most popular employment options among the trades.  

The research shows that, after seven years, certified journeypersons earned nearly $20,000 more than those without any Canadian post-secondary education, and $13,200 more than those with other post-secondary education.