From the competitive pay to the sheer variety of over 140 different careers, there are more opportunities in the skilled trades than you might think. Here are the answers to all your burning skilled trades questions.
Answers to everything you’ve always wanted to ask about the skilled trades.
Some are! But there are over 140 professions to choose from in different industries like IT, childcare, events, hospitality and many more. Take the first step towards your future by using our search filter to narrow down the options and find the perfect trade for you.
It’s great if you have work experience, but you don’t need it to apply for apprenticeships. In fact, apprenticeships are designed to help you get hands-on experience in a trade and to learn by doing. You can earn while you learn! Different trades have different eligibility requirements, so check what you need to pursue your perfect trade.
The average yearly salary for a skilled trades professional in Ontario is actually more than the province’s overall average salary. The province also provides financial support for apprentices. And whether you’re building, fixing, servicing or creating, there is opportunity and demand for every skill.
In short – yes, there are! The skilled trades welcome people from all backgrounds, and with a wide variety of experiences. If you have desire to learn and want to play a critical role in shaping society, then a career in the skilled trades could be for you. Across Ontario, our Level Up! programs, industry partners and professional organizations encourage diverse and inclusive perspectives by offering support for marginalized communities and ensuring bilingual representation.
Finding an apprenticeship sponsor isn’t as daunting as it might seem. There are many easy ways to get the help you need:
Guidance counsellor: If you’re in high school, ask your guidance counsellor for advice and referrals for the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, or other relevant programs (Specialist High Skills Major, dual credit program).
Colleges: Most colleges have a placement office, or can direct you to a career centre to help find apprenticeship opportunities.
Online: Visit the job bank to post your resume and availability for an apprenticeship in your chosen trade.
We encourage newcomers to Ontario from all backgrounds to apply to skilled trades programs. If you are just starting out your career, you can prepare for an apprenticeship with a free pre-apprenticeship program.
Skilled Trades Ontario’s Trade Equivalency Assessment is the first step towards obtaining a Certificate of Qualification for experienced workers who have not completed an Ontario apprenticeship but have equivalent experience. The Trade Equivalency Assessment determines whether you can challenge the certifying exam for a trade. If successful in the exam, you would pay a fee to be issued a Certificate of Qualification in that trade. The Trade Equivalency Assessment is only available in trades with certifying exams.
