Skilled trades
Find a career you wouldn’t trade. Learn how to become a tradesperson, find resources if you’re an employer or currently working, and get job advice.
What you need to know
What is a skilled trade?
A skilled trade is a career path that requires hands-on work and specialty knowledge. Skilled trades workers build and maintain infrastructure like our homes, schools, hospitals, roads, farms and parks. They keep industries running and perform many services we rely on every day, like hairstyling, food preparation or social services.
Benefits of a career in the skilled trades include:
- in-demand jobs and great earning potential
- using cutting-edge technology
- being paid while you learn on-the-job
- many paths to advance
- transferable skills
Become a skilled tradesperson
Check out one of the many paths into the skilled trades – your journey is mapped out by you.
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Explore the trades
Browse Ontario’s trades across four sectors and learn about trade certification requirements, apprenticeship programs and more.
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Apprenticeship
Learn how to prepare, start and finish an apprenticeship and find available grants and financial supports.
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Apply to college
Take a pre-trades program, get a diploma and complete in-school requirements to be an apprentice at the same time.
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Elementary and high school students
Check out all the ways you can learn about the skilled trades while you’re in school.
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Direct employment
Search on your own and browse the job bank or connect with Employment Ontario to find the job that’s right for you.
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Trade certification for experienced workers
If you have skilled trade training and/or work experience from another province, territory or country, you may be eligible for certification in Ontario.
Find tradespeople
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Public Register
Search for registered apprentices and certified journeypersons and verify if they are qualified to practice a trade in Ontario.
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Success stories
Meet some people in Ontario who are working and making a difference in the skilled trades.
Resources
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Skilled trades and apprenticeship updates
Follow this page to stay up-to-date on changes to the skilled trades and apprenticeship system.
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Support for workers
Find guidance about your rights and responsibilities at work during COVID-19 and find sector-specific guidelines for staying safe in the workplace.
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Job bank
Hire a tradesperson anywhere in Ontario – or across Canada.
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Hire an apprentice
Find out how to take on an apprentice and how it benefits you as an employer.
Contact us
Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
Get advice and ask questions about working in the skilled trades over email, phone, live chat or request an in-person appointment with an Employment Ontario counsellor.
416-326-5656 1-800-387-5656 1-866-533-6339 - Find an Employment Ontario apprenticeship office near you.
- Go to live chat
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(Closed on statutory holidays)
If you’re looking to join, renew or pay Ontario College of Trades membership fees, please contact the College at
