About the skilled trades
Find out what you were made to make with a career in the skilled trades.
Joining the skilled trades gives you access to well-paying jobs and in-demand careers. You can:
- earn while you learn on the job as an apprentice
- work with cutting-edge technology
- help build the future of your community
- build a stable and steady career
- make a living while you make a difference
Browse over 140 skilled trades in Ontario to learn about trade certification requirements and apprenticeship programs. Make a province that’s made to last.
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 skilled trades-related occupations by 2034
85 to 90%
of an apprenticeship is paid, on-the-job training
27,000
sponsors delivering apprenticeship training
Made to make
Listen as real skilled trades workers share how they got into the trades, the pride they take in their work and how they're building the future of our communities.
Discover how you can make a living while you make a difference with a career in the skilled trades.
Start a rewarding career in the skilled trades
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 skilled trades college program, get a diploma and, if the program is eligible, fulfill apprenticeship in-class training requirements at the same time.
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 X, Facebook or Instagram.