Is the trades dead?

I’d like some information on the job market as a 1st year electrician apprentice in Vancouver. I just completed my foundation course and having a hard time landing a job.

I’m starting to think, “trades are in demand” is only for those that are ticketed. I reckon the demand isn’t for apprentices, but for ticketed electricians or at least 4th year maybe 3rd year apprentices that can replace the older generations that are retiring sooner than a first year can. I understand why companies don’t want to hire first years especially if they have no on site experience but how else are we suppose to begin?

I’ve applied to a ton of companies and even the union and I haven’t heard a word back. There was also one company in particular (big electrical company in the mainland) that I met with at a job fair, and he could not give a single care in the world about a first year. Made me wanna change my trade altogether lol. Regardless, it could just be me and they don’t like me, but I thought a trade school on my resume would better my chances for even just a phone call.

Please correct me if I’m wrong, but if I’m onto something here, how can I land a job?