Tools in the Trades

Tools in the Trades Experience a day of skilled trade-centred learning.

With longer daylight hours and many projects scheduled during the warmer months, jobsites become increasingly active acr...
06/16/2026

With longer daylight hours and many projects scheduled during the warmer months, jobsites become increasingly active across the province. That means busy crews, coordinated schedules, and plenty of activity across the skilled trades.

From electricians and welders to HVAC technicians, carpenters, and heavy equipment operators, tradespeople play a critical role in keeping projects moving forward safely and efficiently.

If you're considering a career in the skilled trades, the warmer months offer a glimpse into the pace, teamwork, and hands-on work that help build and maintain the communities around us.

❌ MYTH: Skilled trades are only for people fresh out of high school.✅ REALITY: People enter the skilled trades at many s...
06/16/2026

❌ MYTH: Skilled trades are only for people fresh out of high school.

✅ REALITY: People enter the skilled trades at many stages of life.

While many apprentices begin their journey after high school, plenty of others discover the trades later on. Some are looking for a career change, some are returning to the workforce, and others simply want a fresh start in a hands-on, rewarding career.

The skilled trades welcome people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. What matters most isn't your age—it's your willingness to learn, work hard, and build new skills.

Whether you're 18 or 48, it's never too late to explore a career in the skilled trades. 🔧

❄️ Trade Terms 101: TXVEver hear HVAC pros mention a “TXV” and wonder what they’re talking about?TXV stands for Thermost...
06/15/2026

❄️ Trade Terms 101: TXV

Ever hear HVAC pros mention a “TXV” and wonder what they’re talking about?

TXV stands for Thermostatic Expansion Valve — a key component in HVAC systems that controls how much refrigerant flows into the evaporator coil.

In simple terms, it helps the system regulate temperature and run efficiently by delivering the right amount of refrigerant at the right time. 🌡️

It’s a small part that plays a big role in keeping heating and cooling systems performing properly.

🔥 A Day in the Life: Welder EditionWelders are skilled trades professionals who join, fabricate, and repair metal using ...
06/08/2026

🔥 A Day in the Life: Welder Edition

Welders are skilled trades professionals who join, fabricate, and repair metal using specialized welding techniques. From manufacturing shops to construction sites and custom fabrication environments, they help build and repair the structures and components that keep industries moving. ⚙️

A typical day can include:
✔️ Preparing and cleaning metal surfaces
✔️ Reading blueprints and taking precise measurements
✔️ Welding using MIG, TIG, or Stick processes
✔️ Inspecting, grinding, and finishing welds
✔️ Working in shops, job sites, or fabrication environments

It’s a hands-on career that combines precision, focus, and technical skill in every weld.

🔧 Skilled trades aren’t what they used to be.Across industries — from electrical and mechanical to industrial and constr...
06/05/2026

🔧 Skilled trades aren’t what they used to be.

Across industries — from electrical and mechanical to industrial and construction — the tools, technology, and ways of working have evolved significantly.

Today’s skilled trades are modern, technical, and constantly changing, with growing focus on efficiency, sustainability, and how projects are built and maintained.

Hands-on careers in the trades look very different than they did in the past.

❌ Myth: You make high wages right away in the skilled trades.✅ Reality: Skilled trades offer strong earning potential, b...
06/01/2026

❌ Myth: You make high wages right away in the skilled trades.

✅ Reality: Skilled trades offer strong earning potential, but like most careers, your wages grow as you gain experience, complete your apprenticeship, and build your skills on the job.

The skilled trades are a long-term career path — with opportunities to learn, earn, and grow at every stage. 💪

🔧 A Day in the Life: Millwright EditionMillwrights are skilled trades professionals who install, maintain, troubleshoot,...
05/29/2026

🔧 A Day in the Life: Millwright Edition

Millwrights are skilled trades professionals who install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair industrial machinery. From manufacturing plants to automotive facilities, they help keep essential operations running safely and efficiently. ⚙️

A typical day can include:
✔️ Preventive maintenance
✔️ Diagnosing equipment issues
✔️ Precision alignment and measuring
✔️ Welding and fabrication
✔️ Installing heavy machinery

It’s a hands-on career that combines problem-solving, technical skill, and teamwork every day.

🔧 Trades Terms 101: Red SealA Red Seal endorsement is a nationally recognized certification for skilled trades professio...
05/27/2026

🔧 Trades Terms 101: Red Seal

A Red Seal endorsement is a nationally recognized certification for skilled trades professionals in Canada. 🇨🇦

It shows that a tradesperson has demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to meet the national standard for their trade — allowing them to work across provinces and territories.

From electricians to welders and plumbers, Red Seal certification is an important milestone in many skilled trades careers. 💪

05/25/2026

At SOY's Tools in the Trades Boot Camp on March 5, we spoke with Mayor Richard Norcross of New Tecumseth about the vital need for skilled trades in Ontario.

As a former HVAC company owner, the Mayor discussed the current shortage of skilled workers and the obligation employers have to reach out to the next generation.

05/22/2026

At our March 5 Tools in the Trades Boot Camp, we heard from Devin, Director of Growth and Innovation for the Town of New Tecumseth, on the importance of supporting skilled trades development at the community level. 🔧

With major employers, growing industries, and significant future development in the region, building a strong skilled trades workforce is key to long-term growth and opportunity. 💪

As Devin shared, connecting with initiatives like Support Ontario Youth helps open doors — and events like Boot Camp create valuable opportunities to learn, connect, and network within the skilled trades community.

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50 Ronson Drive
Central Etobicoke, ON
M9W1B3

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