Skilled Trades Continues Strong Comeback, but Careers in Critical Fire Safety Lack Visibility

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TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 23, 2025--

A follow-up Leger survey commissioned by Classic Fire + Life Safety finds Canadians believe there are more options today in skilled trades opportunities, but many remain unfamiliar with certain essential fire protection roles, such as sprinkler fitters and fire alarm technicians.

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The 2025 edition of Measuring Up the Trades, an annual study by Classic Fire + Life Safety conducted by Leger, is now online. See the full study at https://classicfls.com/measureup/

The Measuring Up The Trades study, conducted this summer, builds on the company’s inaugural 2024 survey and takes a deeper look at Canadians’ knowledge and perceptions of skilled trades, and specifically fire protection.

While most Canadians view fire alarm technicians and sprinkler fitters positively, only three in 10 (30 per cent) are familiar with fire alarm technicians as a career option, and just over one in five (22 per cent) are familiar with sprinkler fitters. Even more troubling, the national survey reveals that only 11 per cent of respondents say they would know where to start if pursuing a career in either field.

“We want to help Canadians become familiar with the Fire Protection industry and the careers available at Classic Fire + Life Safety,” says Lucy Machado, recently appointed VP of Human Resources. “This survey highlights some of the very real challenges we face, but we remain committed to raising awareness and working to ensure fire protection careers are recognized as a valued skilled trade with high pay, job security, and pride in the work we do to protect Canadians.”

Now in its second year, the national survey revealed signs of progress for skilled trades as a whole. When asked why they did not consider a career in a skilled trade, fewer respondents cited a lack of encouragement from parents and teachers (13 per cent in 2025 vs 16 per cent in 2024). When asked why they considered a career in skilled trades, more respondents indicated an appreciation for job security (38 per cent vs 29 per cent), and overall, more Canadians have strongly considered a career in the skilled trades (18 per cent in 2025 compared to 15% in 2024).

“We hear a lot about in-demand skilled trades across Canada — cooks, hairstylist, welders, industrial electricians, carpenters, plumbers — but rarely see our industry listed,” said Stanley Owah, Talent Acquisition Specialist at Classic Fire +Life Safety. “Raising awareness is not only key to our success as a business, it’s key to our end goal of protecting lives and property.”

The company is increasing outreach efforts, strengthening ties with secondary and post-secondary institutions, and working with governments and not-for-profit organizations to raise awareness for fire safety careers. Classic Fire + Life Safety has participated in several career fairs at schools including Seneca College and Fanshawe College and runs internship, co-op programs and training partnerships with several partners.

“The annual survey is important for our business,” says Mike Farren, CEO of Classic. “Staying on top of perceptions and trends in the skilled trades helps us to better promote the industry, highlight the benefits of a career in fire safety and attract new talent to join our teams across Canada.”

More than half (52 per cent) say they think more highly of the trades now that they did a few years ago. While 76 per cent of respondents believe there are more skilled trade opportunities than before, this is a slight decrease from 80 per cent in 2024. Similar to the 78 per cent surveyed in 2024, 76 per cent of Canadians would encourage their children or others to consider a career in the trades.

When asked about benefits of a career in skilled trades, 50 per cent cited the appeal of hands-on work, 48 per cent said trades offer strong earning potential, 38 per cent pointed to job security, and 26 per cent said trades provide good opportunities to start a small business. Job security and hands-on-work saw an increase of 9 percentage points, and 6-percentage points respectively, compared to 2024.

Classic Fire + Life Safety, the funder of the study, plans to commission this research on a regular basis to help both the company and the industry address the workforce shortages needed to meet rising demand. By collaborating with industry partners and trades education programs, the company aims to encourage more individuals to pursue careers in the skilled trades.

To see the complete findings of the study at https://classicfls.com/measureup/

Methodology
Commissioned by Classic Fire + Life Safety, the Leger survey was conducted online between August 8-11, 2025, with a sample size of 1,508 Canadians, 18 years or older, using Leger’s online panel. Leger's online panel has approximately 400,000 members nationally and has a retention rate of 90 per cent. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/- 2.5 per cent, 19 times out of 20.

About Classic Fire + Life Safety
Classic Fire + Life Safety is a total fire and life safety company servicing the needs of organizations and institutions large and small, private, and public. Under the umbrella of Classic Fire + Life Safety, the group of companies is now staffed by more than 700 professionals who, together, are committed to helping organizations enjoy a safe environment where they can grow and offer their products and services to their customers and partners. Classic Fire + Life Safety owns and operates Apex, a fire sprinkler fabrication and supply company, Northern Sprinkler Design, a fire sprinkler design and engineering services company, and Edge Fire Protection, a full-service fire protection contractor serving customers throughout Southern and Atlantic United States.

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CONTACT: Media information:

Dalia Esposito

Torchia Communications

514-654-2635 /[email protected]

KEYWORD: NORTH AMERICA CANADA

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY HUMAN RESOURCES ENGINEERING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES MANUFACTURING BUILDING SYSTEMS TRAINING OTHER CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY EDUCATION

SOURCE: Classic Fire + Life Safety

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PUB: 09/23/2025 10:46 AM/DISC: 09/23/2025 10:46 AM

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