Skilled Trades

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Find Out More About a Career in Skilled Trades

There are over 140 different skilled trades in Ontario, each with its own pathway. Learn about the pathway, understand the qualifications, what education you need and the length of time as an apprentice before becoming a certified journey personSkilled Trades workers have identified that they enjoy working in the trades as:

  • They feel alive at work because they use both their body and their mind.
  • Experience “work / life balance” as they are able to leave work at work and get paid when they work overtime.
  • Trades people have “skills security” and do not experience anxiety about job security.
  • Earn money while learning their trade.
  • Skilled Trades people have the opportunity to work as an employee, operate their own business or become an instructor in their trade.

What are Skilled Trades

A skilled trade is a career path that requires hands-on work and specialty knowledge. The knowledge needed in many of the skilled trades is extensive and is considered equivalent to a College or University degree. 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, automotive and truck repair, food preparation or social services. With over 140 designated trades in Ontario to choose from, skilled trades can lead to rewarding, lucrative careers and / or entrepreneurial opportunities to operate your own business. It’s estimated that by 2025, about 40 percent of all occupations will be in skilled trades.

Why young people should consider a career in the Skilled Trades

Important changes are occurring in the skilled trades. The Ontario Skilled Trades Alliance is thrilled that the Ontario government is taking action to bring back trades training into our schools and promote these careers as a first choice.

OSTA Celebrates Boosting the Skilled Trades

Get to Know the People Behind Ontario’s Skilled Trades Careers

Explore different types of Construction jobs in Ontario. Learn about the work environment and job requirements from workers who love what they do. Job Talks introduces students, parents, teachers and counsellors to exciting careers in the skilled trades industry. Hear why they chose their career, how they entered into it, and discover a new world of meaningful work.

Job Talks – Site Supervisor – Julia Explains all the Different Options within the Construction Field

Explore More Skilled Trades Careers in the Industrial, Service and Motive Power Sectors

Watch interviews with Tradespeople to learn why this type of work interests them and their pathway to enter their field.

Job Talks – Industrial Mechanic Millwright – Jennifer Talks About the Job

Lift & Move

Lift & Move was a one day event hosted by MATCOM on May 30, 2019 to showcase the career opportunities in the crane, rigging and specialized transport industry. The video highlights career paths for rigging, equipment operation, mechanics, truck drivers, crane operators, engineering and safety. This industry offers a variety of different careers where individuals can gain valuable skills, grow their career and earn competitive industry wages.

Matcom Lift & Move Event

In-Demand Skilled Trades In York Region

The Government of Ontario has made a clear commitment to attract more people to the skilled trades and to encourage more employers to hire apprentices. The Workforce Planning Board of York Region was invited to undertake an In-Demand Skilled Trades Project to provide local insights on labour market conditions for skilled trades in York Region and to obtain employer perspectives on the operations of the apprenticeship system. This report provides a summary of what we learned and includes a review of labour market statistics related to apprentices and journey persons, feedback from employer interviews and focus groups, as well as additional insights we gained from our research project.

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