Learn about careers in the skilled trades
Joining the skilled trades gives you access to thousands of well-paying jobs and an in-demand career for life. These rewarding careers enable you to earn while you learn on the job as an apprentice, work with cutting-edge technology and build stronger communities right here in the place we call home.
Ontario continues to attract people to rewarding careers in the skilled trades by supporting a variety of programs that focus on breaking the stigma and attracting more young people, simplifying the system, and encouraging employer participation.
Browse over 140 skilled trades to learn about trade certification requirements and apprenticeship programs.
Skilled trades workers from other provinces
Workers already certified in other parts of Canada can now bring their skills to Ontario and start working in their regulated occupation within 10 business days. Learn more about your eligibility to work in Ontario.
Quick facts
Whether you’re starting your career — or interested in a new career — working in the skilled trades can pay well, and provide a stable, safe and meaningful career.
1 in 6
job openings are projected to be in the skilled trades-related occupations by 2034
85 to 90%
of an apprenticeship is paid, on-the-job training
27,000
sponsors delivering apprenticeship training
Get started
You can start your journey to becoming a skilled trades worker at any point in your education or career.
Elementary and high school students
Check out all the ways you can learn about the skilled trades in elementary and high school.
For high school students, the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) provides exposure to skilled trades and the opportunity to train as an apprentice while completing their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
The Focused Apprenticeship Skills Training (FAST) stream is an accelerated stream of OYAP that allows students in Grade 11 and 12 to participate in more apprenticeship learning while working towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
Get a head start on your career in school
Postsecondary opportunities
Get paid while you learn with a skilled trades apprenticeship. Learn how to prepare, start and finish an apprenticeship.
Take a pre-skilled trades college program, get a diploma and complete in-school requirements at the same time.
Experienced workers
If you have skilled trades training and/or work experience from another province, territory or country, you may be eligible for certification in Ontario.
Trade certification for experienced workers
Apprentice resources
Financial supports for apprentices
Learn about provincial and federal financial supports for apprentices, find out if you qualify and how to apply.
Supports for employers
Learn about financial supports available to help with the cost of training new apprentices.
Check apprentices in the Public Register
Search for registered apprentices and people certified in the compulsory trades.
Search for jobs
Search for jobs available right now. Browse the job bank or connect with Employment Ontario to find the job that’s right for you.
Contact us
Skilled Trades Ontario
Contact Skilled Trades Ontario to get advice and ask questions about:
- working in the skilled trades
- starting, managing or completing an apprenticeship
- scheduling and preparing for an exam
- having your experience and credentials recognized (including Trade Equivalency Assessments)
- in-class training requirements
- accessing your online account or troubleshooting issues
- sponsoring an apprentice
- skilled trades research
Employment Ontario
Apprentices and job seekers can make a free appointment with an employment counsellor to get advice about working in the skilled trades and get help with their job search and training.
Employers can make a free appointment with an employment counsellor to get advice on attracting and recruiting the right employees, and how to get money to help with on-the-job training costs. Visit the Open for Business page to find resources on how to grow your business.
Or contact Employment Ontario by email, phone and live chat.
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(Closed on statutory holidays)
Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
To report unauthorized compulsory trade work or unsafe work, contact the ministry’s Health and Safety Contact Centre.
Contact the ministry at Ministry.MLITSD@ontario.ca for questions about:
- regulating the skilled trades
- approving training delivery agents or training providers
Connect with the ministry on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.