Each year, Canada’s labour force faces a decline due to low birth rates and early retirement. To counter this, the country aims to welcome 465 thousand immigrants in 2023.

By extending invitations to individuals from around the world to live and work in Canada, the nation can sustain its economic growth and retain its position as a global powerhouse.

Although many Nigerians believe that relocating to Canada guarantees a good job, the reality can be different. Some may secure jobs immediately, but others may need to work hard and smart to thrive.

Thus, having a hand skill becomes beneficial, particularly during unemployment. Additionally, you can earn extra income utilizing your hand skill during your free time, even if you already have a job. This article will explore the Trades you Should Learn To Survive in Canada as an Immigrant.

Trades you Should Learn To Survive in Canada as an Immigrant

1. Hairdressing/Barbing

Are you aware that hairstylists and barbers are among the most sought-after occupations in Canada? Hair never stops growing, leading to a continuous demand for barbers and hairstylists who cut and style hair to maintain a fresh look.

With hundreds of thousands of people needing haircuts daily, this service becomes a basic necessity rather than a luxury. As the population grows, the need for skilled barbers and hairstylists increases. These trades allow for creativity, client interaction, and the opportunity to stay updated with the latest hair trends and techniques.

As a highly skilled professional in this field, you can expect to earn an annual income ranging from $72,900 to $109,500 and you can earn more if you work in urban centres with higher demand for beauty services. As a hairdresser or barber, you can find various opportunities to work in salons, beauty spas, barbershops, or even as a freelancer.

Canada’s diverse population means that hairdressers often encounter clients with various hair types and styles, providing a dynamic and rewarding work environment.

If you’re considering pursuing a career in hairdressing in Canada, it’s advisable to seek guidance from local beauty associations or licensing authorities to ensure you meet all the necessary qualifications and standards to work in the country.

2. Tailoring

The demand for tailoring in Canada is high but this depends on some factors including the region, local fashion trends, and consumer preferences.

However, there is still a steady demand for skilled tailors who can provide custom-fit clothing, alterations, and personalized designs. In urban centres and areas with a diverse population, the demand for tailoring services tends to be higher. Cities with thriving fashion and garment industries may offer more opportunities for tailors to find work or establish their own businesses. In Canada, the typical annual salary for tailors amounts to $35,100, which translates to an hourly rate of $18. Entry-level positions usually begin at $31,200 per year, while highly experienced tailors can earn up to $45,307 annually.

Also, establishing a loyal clientele, offering excellent customer service, and staying updated with fashion trends can help tailors succeed in this competitive market.

3. Cooking

If you lack knowledge about the preparation of your local dishes, it’s advisable to learn them before moving to Canada. Cooking your meals can significantly reduce costs, as buying food can be expensive in the long run.

Apart from the personal benefits of cooking, it expands the range of job opportunities available to you. Knowing how to prepare your local dishes can make it easier to secure a job in an international restaurant once you arrive in Canada.

You can even consider offering cooking courses and charging based on your experience. Catering is a skill in high demand for various events, and professional caterers charge substantial fees for their services. In Canada, the average salary for cooks is $31,200 annually or $16 per hour. Entry-level positions typically start at $28,066 per year, while seasoned cooks can earn up to $40,950 per year.

4. Electrician

In Canada, becoming an electrician is a good decision as it can fetch you a lot of money since it is highly demanded. Electricians use tools and equipment to install, connect, and repair electrical wires and systems.

They handle all aspects related to electricity, working in homes by reading blueprints and in companies and industries dealing with cables, circuits, and electrical codes.

The average salary range for an electrician in Canada is $39,000 to $91,000. You’ll need to undergo training to be able to work as an electrician in Canada and this can be achieved through an apprenticeship program, passing required exams, and obtaining an electrician license when you finally get to Canada.

5. Plumbing

Are you someone who enjoys interacting with people, solving problems, and working with your hands? If so, learning plumbing before you move to Canada might be a suitable option for you to make money.

Plumbers specialize in installing, repairing, and maintaining pipes and plumbing fixtures for water distribution and waste disposal in residential and commercial buildings. Additionally, they conduct leak inspections and interpret blueprints, among other tasks.

As a plumber in Canada, you have the opportunity to work for construction companies, manufacturing firms, and factories, or even start your own plumbing business, providing services to individuals.

The average salary for a plumber in Canada ranges from $39,000 to $86,000 yearly, with an hourly rate typically between $30 to $40. The standard workweek consists of 40 hours, but overtime may be required occasionally.

6. Event Planner

Event planning is a thriving industry in Canada, offering numerous opportunities for those with a passion for organizing and coordinating events.

Event planners are professionals who design, manage, and execute various types of events, including weddings, conferences, corporate gatherings, parties, trade shows, and more.

In Canada, event planning has become a significant sector due to the country’s vibrant social and business culture. The diverse and multicultural population contributes to a wide range of events, each with its unique requirements and themes.

Hence, there can never be enough events in Canada. This is a good reason to learn the ropes of event planning and decoration before coming to Canada. To be a successful event planner in Canada, it’s essential to possess excellent organizational and communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure. Building a strong network of vendors, suppliers, and venues is also crucial to ensure successful events and client satisfaction.

The event planning industry in Canada can be financially rewarding as the average salary for Event Planner is $66,679 per year. These earnings vary based on experience, location, and the scale of events organized.

7. DJ

Have you ever considered if being a DJ is the right career choice for you? Well, being a DJ is very lucrative in Canada and it can fetch you a lot of money. A DJ is responsible for playing recorded music to entertain an audience.

They curate the music for various events such as pubs, concert venues, clubs, music festivals, and even radio stations.

Usually, the role of a DJ is performed by one person, known as the disc jockey, who introduces and plays music while engaging informally and sometimes spontaneously with the crowd during intervals.

Interestingly, in Canada, the average annual salary for a Disc Jockey is approximately $71,027, which equates to an hourly rate of around $34.

8. Photography

If you like to take pictures, then you can consider turning your interest into a stream of income.

Fortunately, photography is a high-income trade that can fetch you a good amount of money. Photographers employ a range of photographic equipment to capture events, individuals, objects, or scenes for documentation, artistic expression, or commercial purposes.

In Canada, the typical salary for photographers is approximately $46,898 annually, which translates to an hourly rate of $24.05. Entry-level positions generally begin at $35,100 per year, whereas experienced photographers can earn up to $64,866 per year.

Starting a photography business requires dedication, creativity, and a keen business sense. By providing high-quality services and building strong relationships with clients, you can establish a successful photography business in Canada.

It is also important to keep improving your photography skills and stay updated with the latest trends and techniques in the industry to thrive!

9. Makeup Artist

Makeup is a highly profitable skill in any country, and it holds significant importance for women as part of their beauty routine. If you are interested in glamour and making people look beautiful while making lots of money, then you can consider learning make-up before you move to Canada.

Professional makeup artists are in high demand for various occasions, but their services can be quite expensive. Hence, it is advisable to know your onions before starting your business so you can get huge profits! Interestingly, if you work as a makeup artist for fashion shows, television productions, or celebrity clients, you’ll have the opportunity to charge higher rates and potentially join an agency that consistently books jobs for you.

The earnings of makeup artists depend on their location and employment type. For instance, the average salary for makeup artists in Canada is $86,239 per year or $44.23 per hour, with entry-level positions starting at $43,144 per year and experienced artists making up to $156,047 per year.

10. Cobbler

Do you know you can make money as a cobbler in Canada? Cobblers are skilled artisans who repair and make footwear, such as shoes and boots.

In Canada, some people prefer repairing their old shoes rather than buying new ones to save money which could have been used in purchasing new pairs. This creates opportunities for cobblers to earn money.

Additionally, some individuals value custom-made footwear, and cobblers with excellent craftsmanship and design skills can attract customers who are willing to pay a premium for personalized shoes.

To succeed as a cobbler in Canada, it’s essential to provide quality work, offer excellent customer service, and potentially explore online platforms or local markets to showcase your services and attract customers.

Building a reputation for skilled craftsmanship and reliable service can lead to a steady stream of clients and a viable income as a cobbler. Cobblers typically earn an average annual salary of $38,363.

Conclusion

When moving to Canada, it’s important to note that you might not immediately find a white or blue-collar job. Therefore, possessing valuable skills is essential to support yourself financially and contribute positively to society. This article has just shown you various trades you can learn before you move to Canada that can fetch you lots of money.