Department of Industrial Trades (DTI) Services
Built for the toughest jobs and toughest days
Proactive Workforce Support to Protect Your People and Your Bottom Line
Welcome to the Department of Industry and Trades at Dreamcatcher Holistic Health Services Inc. (DHHS), where we deliver specialized, culturally informed wellness programs that drive safety, productivity, and community well-being in Canada’s most dynamic sectors. As an Indigenous-owned and operated organization, we combine cultural commitment with certified expertise to support industrial construction, mining, oil & gas, forestry, shipyards, and Indigenous-corporate partnerships.
The Hidden Crisis in Skilled Trades: Health & Workforce Statistics
Physical and mental health risks are rising.
Skilled trades workers are the backbone of our economy, but they face serious health risks—both mental and physical—at much higher rates than the general workforce.
die by suicide
suicide rates
Construction workers are 6 times more likely to die by suicide than by all other workplace fatalities combined
(CDC, 2020)
70% of lost-time claims in industrial sectors are related to stress, mental health, or musculoskeletal issues.
(Workplace Safety & Prevention Services, 2022)
The suicide rate for trades workers is 4 times higher than the general population
(CDC, 2020; Construction Industry Rehabilitation Plan, 2022)
die by suicide
Construction workers are 6 times more likely to die by suicide than by all other workplace fatalities combined
(CDC, 2020)
70% of lost-time claims in industrial sectors are related to stress, mental health, or musculoskeletal issues.
(Workplace Safety & Prevention Services, 2022)
suicide rates
The suicide rate for trades workers is 4 times higher than the general population
(CDC, 2020; Construction Industry Rehabilitation Plan, 2022)
And:
Construction and extraction occupations have an injury rate double the national average
(Bureau of Labour Statistics, 2022)
A Shrinking Workforce: The Skills Gap Grows
88% of construction firms report difficulty finding qualified workers
(Associated General Contractors of America, 2023)
41% of skilled trades workers are expected to retire by 2031
(National Center for Construction Education & Research, 2022)
The National Electrical Contractors Association forecasts a shortage of 80,000–100,000 electricians in the U.S. by 2030
(NECA, 2023)
BuildForce Canada projects a need for 299,200 new construction workers by 2032 due to retirements and economic growth.
(BuildForce Canada, 2024)
The Electricity Human Resources Canada sector council estimates 20,000 new workers are needed by 2025.
(EHRC, 2024)
Welders and related machine operators
Welders and related machine operators were ranked among the hardest-to-fill trade jobs in 2023.
(CAF, 2025)
Why Is This Happening?
Higher risk, fewer support systems:
- Physical danger: Trades workers face daily hazards, high rates of injury, and physically demanding tasks.
- Mental health stigma: Many workers feel unable to seek help for fear of judgment.
- Less support: Unlike tech and office-based industries, trades jobs often offer fewer health benefits and mental health resources.
- Better opportunities elsewhere: The tech sector offers higher average salaries, remote work, and comprehensive support, drawing young talent away from the trades.
The Need for Change
The data is precise: we must address mental and physical health in the skilled trades to protect workers and close the skills gap.
This means:
- Improving access to mental health resources
- Promoting a culture of safety and support
- Attracting and retaining the next generation of skilled workers
Why work with DHHS to address this crisis?
Dreamcatcher Holistic Health Services Inc. (DHHS) delivers targeted, actionable solutions to address the skilled trades sector's urgent health and workforce challenges. Our programs are designed to improve safety, support worker well-being, and strengthen talent pipelines, ensuring immediate and long-term impact.
Comprehensive Mental Health Support
DHHS deploys certified Mental Health Responders, including Level 2 MHRs who are Red Seal trades Professionals or Advanced Workplace First Aid Attendants, to worksites across Canada. These specialists provide on-site crisis intervention, suicide prevention, psychological first aid, and confidential support, helping to reduce stigma and ensure that workers have immediate access to the resources they need.
Culturally Responsive and Inclusive Services
As an Indigenous-owned and led provider, DHHS integrates culturally informed care, collaborating with local knowledge keepers and elders to deliver programs that honour tradition and foster trust within diverse workforces. This approach is convenient for Indigenous workers and communities and supports cultural safety and workforce inclusion.
Dual-Role MHR Apprenticeship and Mentorship
Our Level 2 MHRs (Trades) provide expert mental health support, lead apprenticeship programs, act as mentors, and contribute to on-site work when not attending to health needs. This dual-role model creates a culture of care, facilitates skill development, and helps build a healthy environment for growth and learning. All confidential support and related liability are managed by DHHS as a third party, ensuring worker privacy and organizational protection.
Physical Health and Injury Management
DHHS offers pain and injury management clinics, ergonomic assessments, and comprehensive return-to-work programs led by certified athletic therapists. These services are proven to reduce lost time, improve rehabilitation outcomes, and prevent future injuries.
Workforce Development and Retention
We deliver targeted training, mentorship, and youth outreach to attract the next generation of skilled trades workers, address the skills gap, and support succession planning. Our programs are mobile, scalable, and tailored to the unique needs of each worksite and community, supporting long-term workforce sustainability.
Full Compliance and Risk Management
Our Safety Compliance Officers ensure adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) standards. We design and implement emergency response protocols, workplace assessments, and actionable improvement plans to enhance organizational well-being and regulatory compliance.
By partnering with DHHS, organizations in the skilled trades gain a trusted, experienced ally dedicated to advancing worker safety, mental health, and workforce resilience—empowering your people and securing your future success.
Learn More About Our Core DTI Capabilities:
Health and Safety Services
Workforce Wellness and Training
Environmental and Ecological Restoration Services
Through our partnership with the Stewards of Sc'ianew Society, we offer a range of services
- Wildlife Assessments
- Environmental Monitoring, Site Testing and Assessments
- Community Engagement Programs (exp., medicine workshops, stewardship, sustainable wellness through the land)
- Native Plant Restoration and Conservation
- Invasive Species Management
- Project Advisory and Consultation Services
- Habitat Enhancement
- Construction Site Ecological Restoration
- Food forest Development (support for local food sovereignty initiatives)
Sectors We Serve
Instructional Construction
Mining, Oil and Gas
Forestry
Shipyards
Fisheries and Aquaculture
Residential Construction
Remote Camp Work-Sites
Military
Public and Civil Service Providers (exp., Veterans, Police, Fire, and Ambulance)
Indigenous Communities
Corporate-Indigenous Partnerships
More Information
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Contact us
We would love to hear from you! Contact us through the form or simply use the email address below to get in touch.
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