Canada’s Category-Based Express Entry Draws Lower CRS for Trades

Table of Contents

• Current State of the Skilled Trades Industry
• Benefits of Joining the Skilled Trades Industry
  • Financial Benefits
  • Job Security and Stability
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Opportunities for Growth
• Challenges in the Skilled Trades Industry
  • Safety Concerns
  • Lack of Interest Among Younger Generations
  • Unionization
• Express Entry Program for Skilled Trades Workers
  • Overview of Express Entry
  • Eligibility for the Federal Skilled Trades Program
  • Category-Based Selection in Express Entry
• Recent Express Entry Draws for Skilled Trades Workers
• Conclusion

Current State of the Skilled Trades Industry

The skilled trades industry in Canada is currently facing a significant shortage of workers. This shortage is attributed to various factors, including an aging workforce, declining interest among younger generations, and the perception that trades are less prestigious compared to university degrees. Despite these challenges, the demand for skilled trades workers continues to remain high, especially in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation.

Benefits of Joining the Skilled Trades Industry

Financial Benefits

One of the major perks of joining the skilled trades industry is financial stability. Skilled trades workers often command salaries that are significantly higher than those in many other occupations. For example, a plumber in Canada can earn upwards of $40 per hour. Compare this to Ontario’s minimum wage of $17.20 per hour, and the financial rewards in skilled trades can be substantial. Besides competitive wages, many trades offer additional benefits such as health insurance, vision coverage, and pension plans, making this career path even more appealing.

Job Security and Stability

The skilled trades industry provides remarkable job security and stability. Given the current shortage of skilled workers, there is a high and continuous demand for tradespeople. This results in a steady stream of job opportunities, which can be particularly attractive for individuals seeking both predictable work schedules and long-term career stability.

Personal Satisfaction

Many skilled trades workers experience a high level of personal satisfaction from their work. The hands-on nature of skilled trades allows individuals to tangibly see the results of their efforts, which can be immensely rewarding. Carpenters, for example, might take pride in building a house from scratch, while electricians may find satisfaction in successfully troubleshooting and fixing complex electrical systems.

Opportunities for Growth

The skilled trades industry is rich with opportunities for growth and advancement. With experience and additional training, tradespeople can rise through the ranks to become supervisors or even business owners. This growth potential is especially appealing to those interested in entrepreneurship or leadership roles within the industry.

Challenges in the Skilled Trades Industry

Safety Concerns

Safety remains one of the primary challenges in the skilled trades industry. Many trades involve risky responsibilities, such as working with heavy machinery, handling hazardous materials, and operating in physically strenuous environments. For example, plumbers may encounter asbestos, and construction workers could be at risk from falling objects or electrical hazards. Prioritizing safety measures and continually improving safety protocols are essential to mitigate these risks.

Lack of Interest Among Younger Generations

Another significant challenge facing the industry is the declining interest among younger generations in pursuing careers in skilled trades. This can be partly attributed to the perception that trades are less prestigious than university degrees. However, efforts such as pre-apprenticeship programs and concerted outreach initiatives are making strides in changing this perception and encouraging more young people to consider a career in trades.

Unionization

Unionization is another critical aspect of the skilled trades industry. Unions play an essential role in negotiating better pay, benefits, and working conditions for their members. In Canada, there has been a noticeable positive impact of unions on the well-being of skilled trades workers, advocating for their rights and interests effectively.

Express Entry Program for Skilled Trades Workers

Overview of Express Entry

The Express Entry program is an immigration system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for Canadian permanent residency. It employs a point-based system known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to evaluate and rank candidates’ profiles. The program is designed to attract skilled workers who can significantly contribute to Canada’s economy, including those in the skilled trades sector.

Eligibility for the Federal Skilled Trades Program

To qualify for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, candidates must meet several requirements:

• Skilled Trades Work Experience: Candidates must have at least six months of full-time, continuous work experience in a skilled trade within the past three years.
• Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification: Candidates need a valid job offer of full-time employment for at least one year or a certificate of qualification in their skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.
• Language Ability: Candidates must take approved language tests and meet the minimum score required for writing, reading, listening, and speaking.
• Education: While there is no formal education requirement, candidates can earn points for having a certificate, diploma, or degree from a Canadian secondary or post-secondary institution.
• Proof of Funds: Candidates must prove they have enough money to support themselves and their family upon settling in Canada unless they already have legal permission to work in Canada and a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
• Admissibility: Candidates must be deemed admissible to Canada.

Category-Based Selection in Express Entry

The Express Entry program employs a category-based selection method to invite candidates to apply for Canadian permanent residency. This selection process involves identifying candidates eligible for specific categories, ranking them based on their CRS score, and inviting the highest-scoring candidates to apply.

Recent Express Entry Draws for Skilled Trades Workers

The most recent Trades Category-based Express Entry Draw was Draw #300, held on July 4, 2024:

• Number of invitations issued: 1,800
• Minimum CRS score: 436
• Tie-breaking rule: July 16, 2023 at 15:44:59 UTC

This was the first Trades Occupations draw for 2024 and the largest Trades Occupations draw ever.

Previous Trades Category-based draws include:

1. Draw #276 on December 19, 2023:
   • CRS score: 425
   • Invitations: 1,000
2. Draw #261 on August 3, 2023:
   • CRS score: 388
   • Invitations: 1,500

Comparing these draws, we can see that:

1. The CRS score has increased over time (388 in August 2023, 425 in December 2023, and 436 in July 2024), indicating rising competition in the Trades category.
2. The number of invitations has fluctuated, with the most recent draw issuing the highest number of invitations (1,800).
3. The July 2024 draw had a higher CRS score and more invitations compared to previous draws, suggesting increased competition within the Trades Occupations pool.

How to become eligible for Category-based Express Entry Draws for Trade Occupations

To be eligible for the Trades Occupation category, candidates must have at least 6 months of continuous work experience within the past 3 years in one of the 10 targeted NOC codes related to trades occupations

What occupations are included in the Trade Category

The key occupations included in the Trades Category-based Express Entry Draws include:

1. 73200 – Residential and commercial installers and servicers
2. 72406 – Elevator constructors and mechanics
3. 72405 – Machine fitters
4. 72402 – Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
5. 72400 – Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
6. 72310 – Carpenters
7. 72300 – Plumbers
8. 72200 – Electricians (except industrial and power system)
9. 72106 – Welders and related machine operators
10. 72014 – Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers

It’s important to note that this list may change in the future.  It’s advisable to check the most recent IRCC announcements for the most up-to-date information on eligible occupations

Conclusion

The skilled trades industry in Canada is currently experiencing a critical shortage of workers. Despite this challenge, the industry offers numerous benefits such as financial stability, job security, and personal satisfaction, making it an appealing career path. The Express Entry program is tailored to attract skilled workers, including those in the trades sector, through a comprehensive point-based system that assesses candidates based on various criteria. Recent draws have shown a strong emphasis on skilled trades, with lower CRS scores and increased invitations. By addressing the industry’s challenges and promoting its benefits, Canada can continue to attract and retain skilled trade workers essential for its economic growth.

Want to know your eligibility under Canada’s Category-based Express Entry Draws? Complete our free assessment form for an accurate assessment by our Canadian team.