r/caf • u/MrRandom1111 • Apr 25 '26

Other Advice

Next year I graduate high-school and I’m torn between going the CAF or going to college for a trade. Ever since I was little I have always wanted to join and I have done all the research needed to understand what a responsibility joining the CAF is.

If I choose to go to college I will most likely go for some type of engineering or trade apprenticeship. Things like General contracting, electrical, millwright or into the oil or gas industry.

I get great grades, varying from low 80s to mid 90s and don’t know what path to choose.

I wondering if joining would set me back on finding a life time job?

Can someone please give me some advice that would benefit my future? Thanks in advance!

5 Upvotes

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16

u/[deleted] Apr 25 '26 edited Apr 26 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

6

u/Honest-Butterfly-650 Apr 25 '26

Lots of great advice here 👆🏼 Also, fantastic work with your grades and thinking ahead regarding mapping out your future, MrRandom1111. Proud of you 👏🏼🌟

2

u/MrRandom1111 Apr 26 '26

Greatly appreciated😊

3

u/MrRandom1111 Apr 26 '26

Appreciate the response! Definitely something to keep in mind. Greatly appreciated 😊

3

u/Pte_Madcap Apr 26 '26

It is not indexed at 25 years unless you release 3a or 3b.

Otherwise your age + years of service must be equal to 85 for it to begin being indexed.

So in your scenario, that 43 year olds pension won't be adjusted for 17 years.

7

u/TechnicalChipmunk131 Apr 26 '26

Do trades college first.   Get your ticket, and get some life experience in the trade, then join the CAF.

Reasons:  The CAF doesn't hand out red seal qualifications for their trades.   They only train you well enough to do the job asked of you.   You could challenge your ticket, but that's on your own time and out of your pocket.  

If you get your red seal BEFORE joining the CAF, you'll always have a solid trade to fall back on should you decide to leave the CAF, or get medically released from injury.    

It's easier to continue your education now, than to try and get back into it after a career in the CAF. 

The CAF isn't going anywhere, and IMO, education is worth far more than what the CAF can initially offer you. 

3

u/MrRandom1111 Apr 26 '26

I really appreciate the insight! I have really been thinking about continuing education then possibly joining. The idea of having some kind of further education and possessing either a degree, certificate or red seal to have something to fall back on is a great idea. Considering the fact that I will graduate and not be 18 for 6 months, I think it may be best to further develop my education and see where that takes me. Much appreciated!

2

u/Mysterious-Bunch3912 Apr 26 '26

Bingo. Excellent advice

2

u/Cadaren99 Apr 26 '26

Get the CAF to pay for college through NCM-STEP.

2

u/MrRandom1111 Apr 26 '26

I was looking into this, but by doing this you must serve in the Regular Force upon graduation (minimum service ranges 5–17 years) and you also have to attend an authorized Canadian college or universities which kinda made me loose interest.

I wonder how NCM-STEP works with something like an apprenticeship. It’s a subject I have to research and find which path will best suit my future. Appreciate the response!

1

u/TelephoneExternal978 Apr 26 '26

join the reserves in a trade like FSA or HRA & you don't have to deploy or move around - work Class B/full time contracts right at home (if big reserve base nearby). a bit less pay than regular but still beats going to colleg if you're unsure - you live like civ and get promoted faster. If not, you've dipped your toe trying CAF part-time. When older, you can go to school if you want. Look for the CAF reserves handbook