Explore the trades in Ontario
Explore Ontario’s trades across four sectors and learn about apprenticeship training, what you can expect to learn on-the-job, in school and more.
Overview
A skilled trade is a career path that requires hands-on work and specialty knowledge. Skilled trades workers build and maintain infrastructures like our homes, schools, hospitals, roads, farms and parks. They keep industries running and perform many services we rely on every day.
Ontario College of Trades hosts the standards documents available in the table below where you can learn more about Ontario’s skilled trades.
Alternate formats
Please email ContactEO@ontario.ca if you require alternative formats or communication supports for any of the content. Make sure the subject line in your email reads, “Request for training standard in an alternate document format.”
Red Seal program
The Red Seal column in the tables below refers to trades where certification is recognized across Canada. In Ontario, there are some trades that have different names in comparison to the Red Seal names.
Learn more about:
- the Red Seal program
- skilled trades in Ontario
- skilled trades in schools
- apprenticeship in Ontario
- starting an apprenticeship
Trades you might not know about
Here are a few sectors where your interests could lead to a profession in the skilled trades.
Are you into gardening, landscaping or caring for trees?
Arborist, Utility Arborist, and Horticulture Technician are three trades that could fit your interests. All three of these trades involve study in the cultivation of trees and other plants. Each requires a different level and use of specialty equipment.
Are you obsessed with food?
Whether you’re a top-notch chef or a whiz with flour, butter and sugar, you may be surprised to find out that Cooks and Bakers are part of the service trades.
Are you someone who loves farming and rural life?
You can become certified as an Agricultural Equipment Technician to help inspect, diagnose and repair farming machinery.
If you’re interested in working with farm animals or producing crops, you might want to look into becoming a skilled Horse Groom, Fruit Grower, or Swine Herdsperson.
Are you a detail-oriented, visual person with a great understanding of blueprints and diagrams?
You might be great as a Tool and Die Maker or a General Machinist. These two specialty trades help create the parts and tools for manufacturing.
They both involve extreme attention to detail, metalwork, and understanding of complex machinery and precision tools.
Are you into the latest gadgets, machines, tools and technology?
The trades of Industrial Mechanic Millwright and Construction Millwright might be for you. Millwrights install and ensure that construction and/or mechanical equipment works and stays working.
Some of the skills involved in this job include understanding different pressure systems and using cutting-edge robotics, machinery and equipment to test equipment.
Are you really into cars and transportation?
There’s a whole sector of the skilled trades devoted to you! Become an Automotive Service Technician, Truck and Coach Technician, Marine Engine Technician, Heavy Duty Equipment Technician, or Motorcycle Technician to help keep our transportation running.
Use your skills in body work to become an Automotive Painter or Auto Body and Collision Damage Repairer.
Are you into home construction or building renovation?
You may be surprised to find out that the handy jobs you’ve done with family around the house have given you experience that can lead to careers in trades like Architectural Glass and Metal Technician, Brick and Stone Mason, Painter and Decorator, Roofer, Terrazzo, Tile & Marble Setter or more.
Facts about the skilled trades
There are skilled trades jobs waiting for you
Right now, the average age of an Ontario journeyperson is 47 years old. Employers are looking for more people and youth to start their careers in the skilled trades.
Many trades now require the use of math, science, and cutting-edge technology
The trades are where some of the most exciting technological advancements exist. For example, 3D printers and visualization, mobile apps, and robotics are being used at job sites, shop floors and skilled trades companies all over Ontario.
There are many opportunities to advance in the skilled trades
Not only are skills often transferable to other trades, but skilled tradespeople have unique opportunities to advance as managers and mentors. You can start or own a business and even teach technological education classes.
Skilled trades jobs pay well
According to Statistics Canada, between 2000 and 2011, the average weekly wages of full-time workers aged 25 to 34 with trade certificates grew by 14%, while Bachelor Degree holders saw their wage growth slow to 1%.
