How To Easily Get Into Skilled Trades?

Based on my research, networking and unions are the best ways to get in, although cold contacting and/or non-union roles are also viable depending on the job and/or industry. I've already emailed several companies inquiring about apprenticeship, but I'm not sure if they'll even respond back, let alone be interested in hiring me. Sadly many job postings for skilled trades show that the employer wants someone with experience, but there's supposed to be a skilled trade shortage (depends obviously).

I will be contacting various trade unions, and networking with people I know as well as the college I went to. I'm getting contradicting information online, where some claim skilled trades are hard to get into while others say it's easy. They also make contradicting claims, some stating that unions are the way to go, but then others swear by non-union jobs as they view unions as evil. I don't really wanna reveal where I live, but all you guys need to know is that I'm from Canada, specifically within Ontario.

As for trades like plumber, electrician, welder, HVAC, and carpenter, some claim it's very easy, but then others claim it's hard due to competition via massive popularity. I have considered mainly non-compulsory trades where apprenticeship isn't mandatory, although I'm down for compulsory too. The specific trades I'm interested in getting into and have applied for are painter, floor installer, kitchen cabinet installer, automotive technician, cook/chef, and roofer. If anyone can clear the paradoxes, let me know.