A new national survey reveals a major awareness gap in Canada’s fire protection industry. Despite the growing demand for skilled trades, many Canadians remain unaware of essential fire safety roles like sprinkler fitters and fire alarm technicians. The study, commissioned by Classic Fire + Life Safety and conducted by Leger, highlights the urgent need to promote these life-saving careers — both for public safety and workforce sustainability.
1. Overview of the Survey Findings
The Measuring Up the Trades survey, conducted in summer 2025, builds on research from 2024 to assess Canadians’ understanding of skilled trades — particularly within fire protection. While general awareness of skilled trades is improving, fire safety roles remain largely invisible to the public.
2. Why Fire Protection Careers Lack Visibility
Industries like plumbing, carpentry, and welding often dominate the conversation about skilled trades. However, fire protection technicians — professionals responsible for installing and maintaining safety systems — are rarely mentioned, even though they play a crucial role in saving lives.
3. Familiarity with Fire Safety Roles
The survey found that:
- Only 30% of Canadians recognize fire alarm technicians as a career option.
- Just 22% are familiar with sprinkler fitters.
- A mere 11% know where to start if they wanted to pursue either profession.
This shows a major knowledge gap that could lead to workforce shortages in an industry essential to public safety.
| Fire Protection Role | % Familiarity Among Canadians |
|---|---|
| Fire Alarm Technician | 30% |
| Sprinkler Fitter | 22% |
| Knows How to Start Career | 11% |
4. Canadians’ Attitudes Toward Skilled Trades
Encouragingly, the survey noted gradual improvement in how Canadians view trade careers. In 2025, 18% of respondents said they had strongly considered a trade career, up from 15% in 2024.
Additionally:
- Fewer people (13%) said they lacked encouragement from parents or teachers, compared to 16% last year.
- 38% now see job security as a top motivator, up from 29%.
5. The Importance of Raising Awareness
Stanley Owah, Talent Acquisition Specialist at Classic Fire + Life Safety, emphasized that visibility is key:
“We hear a lot about cooks, welders, and electricians — but rarely see our industry listed. Raising awareness isn’t just for business success, it’s about protecting lives and property.”
6. Job Security and Career Appeal
Canadians recognize that skilled trades offer stable and fulfilling careers. The top perceived benefits include:
- 50% value hands-on work.
- 48% appreciate the earning potential.
- 38% highlight job security.
- 26% say trades offer strong small business opportunities.
7. Classic Fire + Life Safety’s Response and Initiatives
To tackle the awareness gap, Classic Fire + Life Safety has expanded its outreach efforts by working closely with schools, colleges, and government organizations. The company also aims to recruit new talent through internships and co-op programs, helping students gain real-world fire protection experience.
8. Educational Partnerships and Outreach
The company has actively participated in career fairs at Seneca College and Fanshawe College, offering interactive sessions to introduce students to the fire protection industry. These initiatives aim to create direct pathways from education to employment in critical safety roles.
9. Key Benefits of a Career in Fire Protection
Fire protection careers not only offer competitive pay and steady employment, but also provide purpose-driven work — ensuring safety in homes, schools, hospitals, and public spaces. Professionals in this field play an essential role in:
- Installing and maintaining fire alarm systems
- Testing sprinkler systems
- Ensuring compliance with building safety codes
10. Challenges and Opportunities for the Industry
Despite positive progress, only 76% of respondents believe skilled trade opportunities are increasing — a slight dip from 80% in 2024. The fire safety sector faces additional challenges in attracting young workers, many of whom are unaware of these career paths or perceive them as outdated.
11. The Broader Skilled Trades Landscape in Canada
Across Canada, skilled trade shortages are impacting multiple industries. According to Employment and Social Development Canada, Canada could face a shortfall of over 700,000 skilled workers by 2028. Expanding awareness of underrepresented trades like fire safety will be critical to closing that gap.
12. Looking Ahead: Building a Stronger Workforce
Classic Fire + Life Safety plans to continue commissioning research to monitor awareness trends and strengthen its recruitment strategies. By elevating the visibility of fire protection careers, the company hopes to inspire more Canadians to join this essential, high-impact field.