Stigmas and Stereotypes
There are many negative stereotypes and stigmas associated with the skilled trades sector and many can harm the perception of students who pursue this industry, contributing to the ongoing shortage of trade employees within the workforce. Over the years, this type of stereotyping has left lingering resentment and has historically divided students into two streams: university-bound and those left for the trades. Stigmas and stereotypes can be harmful to one’s mental health due to the stress and anxiety these stigmatized individuals may face, and in the workplace (i.e., apprenticeship) can make men, more specifically, less likely to reach out for mental health support (Bridges et al., 2020; Duckworth et al., 2024; Gatti, 2023; Howe et al., 2023).
Stigma can contribute to a decline in students’ mental health, including increased anxiety and depression, and lower self-esteem, leading to lower academic achievements, a lack of motivation, and difficulty forming positive relationships with friends and colleagues (Gatti, 2023). Parents, peers, teachers, and partners exhibit stigma about pursuing a career in the skilled trades leading to perceptions that the trades are ‘low grade’, ‘dirty jobs’, and ‘for those who lack brains’ (Government of Ontario, 2021).
