Canada faces a significant shortage of tradespeople across many occupations and industries. The government’s Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) helps attract experienced tradespeople from different parts of the world to live and work in Canada permanently and bridge some of these labour gaps.
Unlike in some countries where trades or blue-collar jobs are sometimes looked down upon, tradespeople are respected and well-paid in Canada. As a newcomer, if you’re interested in trade jobs in Canada, you should familiarize yourself with the certification requirements for your trade before entering the job market. In this article, we showcase 10 trade jobs that are in high demand in Canada along with an overview of their certification requirements.
In this article:
- Compulsory versus non-compulsory trades in Canada
- Provincial and territorial regulators for trade certification in Canada
- How to get certified in a trade occupation as a newcomer to Canada?
- 10 in-demand trade occupations in Canada
- How to find a trade job in Canada as a newcomer
Are trades regulated in Canada?
Most trades are regulated by provincial, territorial, or federal regulatory authorities in Canada.
Trade regulators are responsible for devising training standards, setting up the apprenticeship curriculum and certification exams, issuing and renewing Certificates of Qualification in certain trades, assessing the qualifications of individuals who haven’t completed an apprenticeship program or have experience from outside the province or country, and maintaining a public register of individuals who’re authorized to work in compulsory trades.
Compulsory versus non-compulsory trades in Canada
Just because your trade is regulated does not mean that it’s compulsory for you to be certified. In each province, trades are classified as compulsory and non-compulsory, depending on whether certification is a requirement to work in the field. In Ontario, for instance, there are 23 compulsory trades and 121 non-compulsory trades.
You can only work in a compulsory trade if you’ve completed a formal apprenticeship program for the trade and have a valid Certificate of Qualification (renewed annually) from your local regulator.
On the other hand, you may be able to work in a non-compulsory trade without being formally certified, although certification may still be needed for some jobs. In provinces where certification for a trade is non-compulsory, it may still be available and voluntary. If you choose to get certified for a non-compulsory trade, you do not need to get your Certificate of Qualification renewed.
Provincial and territorial regulators for trade certification in Canada
The certification of most trade occupations in Canada is managed at the province or territory level by the following regulators:
| Province/Territory | Regulatory body |
| Alberta | Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training |
| British Columbia | Industry Training Authority British Columbia |
| Manitoba | Apprenticeship Manitoba |
| New Brunswick | Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification, Government of New Brunswick |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division, Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, Newfoundland and Labrador |
| Northwest Territories | Apprenticeship and Trades, Government of the Northwest Territories |
| Nova Scotia | Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency |
| Ontario | Skilled Trades Ontario |
| Prince Edward Island | Apprenticeship Training and Skilled Trade Certification, Government of Prince Edward Island |
| Quebec | Emploi Québec |
| Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission |
| Yukon | Apprenticeship and Tradesperson Qualifications, Yukon Education |
How to get certified in a trade occupation as a newcomer to Canada?
When you’re looking to get certified in a trade, the first step is to check with your provincial regulator whether certification is compulsory. If it isn’t, you may be able to begin working in your occupation and gather the required experience to qualify for voluntary certification later (if needed).
As a newcomer, you may already have considerable experience in your trade outside Canada. Any trade courses or experience from your home country may count towards making the certification process easier in Canada.
Many provinces allow newcomers to apply for Trades Equivalency Assessment, provided they can prove that their experience and skills are equivalent to those needed for certification in their trade. Trades Equivalency Assessments are only available for trades that have a (compulsory or voluntary) certification examination. Once you receive a Trades Equivalency Assessment certificate, you’ll need to pass the examination and get a Certificate of Qualification in your trade.
10 in-demand trade occupations in Canada
Cook (NOC 63200)
Professional cooks prepare and cook different types of foods. In addition to preparing meals, cooks may be responsible for managing the inventory of supplies and food, minimizing kitchen waste, cleaning the kitchen and cooking areas, planning menus, budgeting food costs, and training helpers.
Restaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools and community living institutions often hire cooks to prepare meals for guests or residents.
Canadian provinces where cooks are in demand
In the coming years, job prospects for cooks will remain good in the provinces of British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan, as well as in the three territories.
Educational requirements to work as a cook in Canada
To work as a cook in Canada, you’ll usually need to have completed secondary school (or high school) either in Canada or in your home country. Cooking is a non-compulsory trade in Canada, which means that you don’t necessarily need to be certified or a registered apprentice to work in the field. However, some cooking jobs may require further formal or informal training, such as a college or diploma program in cooking or food safety, an apprenticeship program for cooks, or several years of commercial experience as a cook.
The provincial certification process for cooks in Canada
Except for Yukon, cooking is a regulated occupation in all parts of Canada and for senior cooking roles, you must be certified by your provincial or territorial regulatory authority.
Although each region has its own certification process, in most provinces, cooks must complete an apprenticeship program involving an in-school component and on-the-job training. In provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Manitoba, the occupation is divided into levels.
For instance, in Ontario, you can become an assistant cook after completing a one-and-a-half-year apprenticeship program including 2,640 hours of on-the-job work experience and 360 hours of in-school training, whereas to become a cook, you must complete a three-year apprenticeship program including 5,280 hours of on-the-job work experience and 720 hours of in-school training.
In some provinces, the highest level of this occupation (usually called Cook) requires applicants to pass a certifying examination. Applicants who pass the certifying exam receive a Certificate of Qualification.
Median wages for cooks in Canada
The median hourly wage for cooks in Canada is around $15.60. However, experienced cooks earn an average of $21.18 per hour.
Industrial Electrician (NOC 72201)
An industrial electrician is responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical equipment and controls within industrial settings, such as factories, plants, shipyards, mines, and more.
Canadian provinces where industrial electricians are in demand
Job prospects for industrial electricians are expected to remain good in the provinces of Alberta, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan. Over the 2022-2031 period, new job openings for industrial electricians are expected to exceed the total number of job seekers in this field, leading to a shortage of skilled workers.
Educational requirements to work as an industrial electrician in Canada
To be an industrial electrician in Canada, in most cases, you must have at least completed secondary school (high school) in Canada or your home country. For most industrial electrician jobs, you may be required to complete a four to five-year apprenticeship program, or over five years of work experience as an industrial electrician along with some high school, college or industry courses in industrial electrical equipment.
The provincial certification process for industrial electricians in Canada
This trade is considered compulsory in Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Manitoba and requires formal apprenticeship or relevant education. However, it is non-compulsory in other parts of Canada.
The apprenticeship program for industrial electricians takes approximately five years (9000 hours) to complete. Of this, on-the-job training requires 8,160 hours and in-school training requires 840 hours.
Candidates must pass a certifying examination to get a Certificate of Qualification to practice as an industrial electrician. Depending on whether the trade is considered compulsory or non-compulsory in your province/territory, you may need to get the certificate renewed periodically.
Median wages for industrial electricians in Canada
The median hourly wage for industrial electricians in Canada is $37. However, experienced industrial electricians can earn over $50 per hour.
Welder (NOC 72106)
Welders operate welding and soldering equipment and are typically employed in the heavy machinery, aircraft, shipping, metal production, or steel and plate work manufacturing industry. Some welders may run their own shops or work as contractors for other welding companies.
Canadian provinces where welders are in demand
In Canada, welders are in demand in the provinces of Alberta, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan. The job prospects for welders are moderately good in Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, and Quebec.
Educational requirements to work as a welder in Canada
To become a welder in Canada, you must have completed secondary school (high school) in Canada or your home country. For some welding jobs, you may be required to complete a three-year apprenticeship program or three years of work experience as well as some college or industry courses. Experience with robotics or machine operation may also be required for some welding jobs.
The provincial certification process for welders in Canada
Welding is only considered a compulsory trade in Alberta, where formal apprenticeship or training is required to practice this occupation. In all other provinces and territories, certification is voluntary.
Although the certification process varies by province, typically you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship program that’s around three years (6,000 hours) long. This apprenticeship typically consists of 5,280 hours of on-the-job training and 720 hours of in-school training. After the apprenticeship program, the applicant must pass a certification examination to receive a Certificate of Qualification. You don’t need to get this certificate renewed.
Median wages for welders in Canada
Welders earn a median hourly wage of $26 in Canada. However, experienced welders or welders employed in high-skill industries may earn as much as $42 per hour.
Hairstylist (NOC 63210)
Hairstylists, also known as hairdressers or barbers, usually work at salons, barber shops, vocational schools, or film and theatre establishments, where they cut and style hair.
Canadian provinces where hairstylists are in demand
There is a strong to moderate demand for hairstylists in the provinces of Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. Between 2022 and 2031, the demand for hairstylists in Canada is expected to outweigh the number of job seekers available to fill those roles.
Educational requirements to work as a hairstylist in Canada
If you want to work as a hairstylist in a province where certification is compulsory, you must complete either an accredited training program offered by a secondary or post-secondary institution or complete a two-year apprenticeship program.
The provincial certification process for hairstylists in Canada
Hairstyling is a regulated occupation in all parts of Canada except Yukon. Trade certification for hairstyling is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, and voluntary in other provinces and territories.
You may be eligible for certification if you’ve completed a two-year apprenticeship program that consists of 3,020 hours of on-the-job work experience and 480 hours of in-school training or qualify through the Trade Equivalency Assessment program (if your studies and hairstyling experience are from outside Canada).
After completing your apprenticeship or educational program, you must pass the certification examination and get a Certificate of Qualification that you’ll need to renew annually.
Median wages for hairstylists in Canada
The median hourly wage for hairstylists in Canada is $17, but more experienced tradespeople may earn as much as $27.50 per hour and the profession often includes tips.
Automotive Service Technician (NOC 72410)
Automotive service technicians are responsible for inspecting, diagnosing, repairing, and servicing cars and other vehicles. Typically, they need to be familiar with the electrical, electronic and mechanical components of vehicles and may need to advise customers on general vehicle condition and repair requirements.
Canadian provinces where automotive service technicians are in demand
In the coming years, job prospects for automotive service technicians are expected to be good in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, and Yukon. There will likely be a shortfall of 10,000 automotive service technicians in Canada between 2022 and 2031, and moderate demand is expected across the country.
Educational requirements to work as an automotive service technician in Canada
To become an automotive service technician in Canada, candidates must typically have completed secondary (high) school, trade-related training or a vocational program. For trade certification, you may also need to complete a four-year apprenticeship program or gain a combination of fours of work experience and education courses.
The provincial certification process for automotive service technicians in Canada
Trade certification for automotive service technicians is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario and Alberta, and voluntary in other parts of Canada. To become certified, you must first complete an apprenticeship program that’s four years (7,220 hours) long, consisting of 6,500 hours of on-the-job work experience and 720 hours of in-school training. In provinces where certification is compulsory, you must pass a certification examination and receive a Certificate of Qualification.
Specialized certification may be required for certain sub-occupations, such as Internal Combustion Alternate Fuel Technician or Alignment And Brakes Technician.
Median wages for automotive service technicians in Canada
The median hourly wage for automotive service technicians in Canada is $27.50. People experienced in this trade may earn as much as $40 per hour.
Carpenter (NOC 72310)
The job duties of carpenters may involve the construction, installation, maintenance, and repair of structures made of wood, wood alternatives, steel, and other materials. They usually need to be familiar with building codes, reading blueprints, budgeting, and supervision of other construction staff. Carpenters may be self-employed or employed by construction companies, maintenance departments in buildings, or other contractors.
Canadian provinces where carpenters are in demand
The demand for carpenters is high in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan, as well as in Yukon and the Northwest Territories.
Educational requirements to work as a carpenter in Canada
You will usually need to have completed secondary school (high school) to work as a carpenter in Canada. Trade certification and certain high-skill carpentry jobs may require the completion of a three or four-year apprenticeship or an equivalent level of work experience and carpentry courses offered by a school, college, or vocational institute.
The provincial certification process for carpenters in Canada
Except for Quebec, trade certification for carpenters is voluntary in all other parts of Canada. To get certified, you must complete a four-year apprenticeship (7,200 hours), including 6,480 hours of on-the-job work experience and 720 hours of in-school training or equivalent. You must also pass a certification exam and get a Certificate of Qualification. If carpentry is a non-compulsory trade in your province, you do not need to get your certificate renewed.
Median wages for carpenters in Canada
The median hourly wage for carpenters in Canada is $30. Experienced carpenters may sometimes make as much as $40.51 per hour.
Industrial Mechanic (NOC 72400)
Industrial mechanics are responsible for the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of industrial machinery and mechanical equipment. Industrial mechanics typically work in manufacturing plants, utilities and other industrial establishments.
Canadian provinces where industrial mechanics are in demand
The demand for industrial mechanics is strong in the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.
Educational requirements to work as an industrial mechanic in Canada
To become an industrial mechanic in Canada, you must first have completed high school, along with suitable training courses or a vocational program. To get certified in your trade, you’ll also need to complete a three to four-year apprenticeship program or gather an equivalent mix of work experience and industry courses.
The provincial certification process for industrial mechanics in Canada
Although the certification requirements and processes vary by province, in most cases, a four-year long apprenticeship program (8,000 hours) consisting of 7,280 hours of on-the-job work experience and 720 hours of in-school training may be required.
Trade certification is not compulsory in all provinces. However, in some provinces, this occupation is split into multiple proficiency levels and certification is required for the highest levels. To get certified as an industrial mechanic, you must pass a certification examination and receive a Certificate of Qualification.
Median wages for industrial mechanics in Canada
The median hourly wage for industrial mechanics in Canada is $32. Experienced industrial mechanics or those who specialize in certain types of machinery may earn over $45.50 per hour.
Plumber (NOC 72300)
A plumber is typically responsible for the installation, repair and maintenance of plumbing equipment, pipes and other fixtures that are used for water supply and waste-water disposal in buildings. In Canada, plumbers may be employed at industrial, commercial, or residential establishments. Some plumbers work independently or for plumbing contractors.
Canadian provinces where plumbers are in demand
In Canada, plumbers are in demand in the provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan as well as in Yukon and the Northwest Territories.
Educational requirements to work as a plumber in Canada
You must have completed at least high school (secondary school) in Canada or your home country to work as a plumber in Canada. In addition, if you’re in a province where the plumbing occupation requires compulsory certification, you must have completed a five to five-year apprenticeship or an equivalent combination of in-school learning and work experience.
The provincial certification process for plumbers in Canada
Plumbing is a regulated occupation in all parts of Canada except Yukon. Trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta, and voluntary in other provinces and territories.
To be eligible for certification, applicants must have completed an apprenticeship program that is 9,000 hours long (including 8,280 hours of on-the-job work experience and 720 hours of in-school training) or gather an equivalent combination of work experience and school or college courses in plumbing. You must also pass a certification examination, which must be renewed annually if you’re in a province where certification is compulsory.
Median wages for plumbers in Canada
The median hourly wage for plumbers in Canada is $31. Plumbers with a high degree of experience or proficiency may earn up to $42.64 per hour.
Construction Electrician (NOC 72200)
Construction electricians install, test, repair and maintain electrical equipment, wiring, and fixtures in buildings. In Canada, construction electricians usually work in the maintenance departments of buildings or with electrical contractors.
Canadian provinces where construction electricians are in demand
The demand for construction electricians is high in the provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan.
Educational requirements to work as a construction electrician in Canada
To work as a construction electrician, you’ll typically need to have completed secondary school and a four to five-year apprenticeship program.
The provincial certification process for construction electricians in Canada
Construction electricians require compulsory trade certification in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. To be eligible for certification, you must complete a four to five-year apprenticeship program (9,000 hours), which consists of 8,160 hours of on-the-job work experience and 840 hours of in-school training.
Following the apprenticeship, you must pass a certification exam and receive a Certificate of Qualification. If the trade requires compulsory certification in your province, you must get your Certificate of Qualification renewed each year.
Median wages for construction electricians in Canada
Construction electricians earn a median hourly wage of $30.10 in Canada. Experienced electricians may even earn as much as $46 per hour.
Transport Truck Driver (NOC 73300)
Truck drivers drive different types of trucks, such as tractor trucks, freight trucks, tow trucks, or cement mixers, to transport goods and cargo over long or short distances. Transport truck drivers may be employed by transportation, manufacturing, distribution and moving companies, or may be self-employed.
Canadian provinces where truck drivers are in demand
Transport truck drivers are in high demand in the provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan, as well as in Yukon and the Northwest Territories.
Educational requirements to work as a transport truck driver in Canada
You generally need to complete secondary school (high school) in Canada or your home country to work as a transport truck driver in Canada. In addition, you may need to complete a three-month accredited driver training course through a vocational school or college.
The provincial certification process for truck drivers in Canada
Although truck driving is regulated in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan, certification is not required in most parts of the country. On-the-job training is generally provided to new hires, and for voluntary certification, you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship program consisting of 3,000 hours of on-the-job training and mentorship.
However, all candidates must have a valid driver’s license that corresponds to the vehicle they will be driving, for instance, straight-body trucks require a Class 3 or D license. You may also need to get an air brake endorsement (Z).
Median wages for transport truck drivers in Canada
The median hourly wage for truck drivers in Canada is $24, and it is not uncommon for transport truck drivers to earn over $33.72 per hour, especially if they have more on-road experience and drive long-haul trucks.
How to find a trade job in Canada as a newcomer
Where to look for trades jobs in Canada
You can start your job search on online job portals such as Job Bank, LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, Monster, and GrabJobs. You may also want to register with employment agencies like Robert Half, Hays Canada, or other local agencies that specialize in trade jobs.
However, it’s important to note that many open job opportunities in Canada aren’t publicly advertised or posted, but are instead filled through the recruiter’s network. You can start networking with other tradespeople in your occupation even before you arrive in Canada. Not only will this help you identify hidden jobs in the industry, but it’s also a great way to learn about the certification process and the skills or education employers typically look for.
How to apply for trade jobs in Canada
Before you apply for jobs in Canada, you must create a Canadian-style resume. The Canadian resume format may be different from the one you used in your home country. Unlike other resume formats, the Canadian style resume emphasizes your accomplishments and skills, rather than your job duties. The functional (or skills-based) resume format will likely be the most relevant format for a tradesperson.
Many Canadian employers use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) which shortlists resumes that best match the job description, so it’s important to customize your resume with keywords from the job description. You should also include a cover letter with your application.
The recruitment process in Canada typically involves several steps including resume selection and multiple interview rounds. You can significantly improve your chances of landing a job in Canada by preparing for interviews in advance, researching the company and the interviewers, and practicing responses to commonly asked interview questions.
Canada offers ample job opportunities for skilled tradespeople across different industries. Many trade occupations are regulated by the government and require certification. However, once you have a certificate, you’re free to practice your profession anywhere in the province.
