Tradespeople are in short supply in many occupations and industries in Canada. The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) of the government helps fill some of these labor shortages by attracting skilled tradespeople from all over the world to permanently reside and work in Canada.
Tradespeople are revered and compensated well in Canada, in contrast to other nations where blue-collar occupations or trades are frequently viewed with suspicion. Before entering the job market as a newcomer, if you are interested in trade jobs in Canada, you should learn about the certification requirements for your trade. We provide an overview of the certification requirements for ten trade jobs that are in high demand in Canada in this article.
In Canada, are trades regulated?
In Canada, the majority of trades are governed by federal, provincial, or territorial regulatory authorities.
Trade regulators are in charge of developing training standards, establishing the apprenticeship curriculum and certification exams, issuing and renewing Certificates of Qualification in specific trades, evaluating the qualifications of people who haven’t completed an apprenticeship program or have experience outside the province or country, and keeping a public register of people who are allowed to work in compulsory trades.
Trades in Canada that are compulsory versus those that are not
You are not required to be certified simply because your industry is regulated. Trades are categorized as compulsory or non-compulsory in each province based on whether certification is required to work in the field. For instance, there are 121 non-compulsory trades and 23 compulsory trades in Ontario.
You can only work in a mandatory trade if you have completed the trade’s formal apprenticeship program and a current Certificate of Qualification from your local regulator, which must be renewed annually.
On the other hand, you might be able to work in a trade that doesn’t require certification but you might still need it for some jobs. Trade certification may still be available and voluntary in provinces where it’s not required. Your Certificate of Qualification need not be renewed if you choose to become certified in a trade that is not required of you.
In Canada, trade certification is regulated by provincial and territorial authorities
The following regulators oversee the certification of the majority of trade occupations in Canada at the province or territory level:
How can a newcomer to Canada obtain a trade occupation certification?
Check with your provincial regulator to see if certification is required if you want to become certified in a trade. If it isn’t, you might be able to start working in your field and get the experience you need to be eligible for voluntary certification in the future (if needed).
You may already have a lot of experience outside of Canada in your trade as a newcomer. It’s possible that any training or experience you have gained in your home country will help you get certified in Canada.
Newcomers can apply for the Trades Equivalency Assessment in many provinces as long as they can demonstrate that their experience and skills are comparable to those required for certification in their trade. Trades that have a certification exam—either mandatory or voluntary—are the only ones that can take advantage of Trades Equivalency Assessments. After receiving a certificate from the Trades Equivalency Assessment, you will need to pass the exam to receive a Certificate of Qualification in your trade.
Cook (NOC 63200) is one of the ten most in-demand trades in Canada. Professional cooks prepare and cook a variety of foods. Cooks may also be in charge of managing the supplies and food inventory, reducing food waste, cleaning the kitchen and cooking areas, planning menus, budgeting for food costs, and training helpers.
Cooks are frequently hired by hotels, restaurants, hospitals, schools, and community living facilities to prepare meals for guests or residents.
Provinces in Canada where cooks are in high demand The provinces of British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan, as well as the three territories, will continue to have favorable job prospects for cooks in the upcoming years.
To work as a cook in Canada, you usually need to have completed secondary school (also known as high school) either in Canada or in your home country. In Canada, cooking is not a required trade, so you don’t have to be certified or a registered apprentice to work in the field. However, a college or diploma program in cooking or food safety, an apprenticeship program for cooks, or several years of commercial cooking experience may all be required for some cooking jobs.
Cooks’ Provincial Certification System in Canada
Cooking is a regulated occupation throughout Canada, except in the Yukon. To hold senior cooking positions, you must be certified by your provincial or territorial regulatory authority.
Even though each region has its certification process, most provinces require cooks to complete an apprenticeship program that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on experience. The job is divided into levels in provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Manitoba.
For instance, in Ontario, a one-and-a-half-year apprenticeship program with 2,640 hours of on-the-job work experience and 360 hours of in-school training is required to become an assistant cook. On the other hand, a three-year apprenticeship program with 5,280 hours of on-the-job work experience and 720 hours of in-school training is required to become a cook.
The highest level of this occupation—typically Cook—requires applicants to pass a certifying examination in some provinces. A Certificate of Qualification is awarded to applicants who pass the certifying exam.
Canada’s median wage for cooks
Cooks earn roughly $15.60 per hour on average in Canada. However, skilled cooks earn an hourly wage of $21.18 on average.
(NOC 72201) Industrial electrician
Installation, upkeep, and repair of electrical controls and equipment in factories, shipyards, mines, and other industrial settings are the duties of an industrial electrician.
Provinces in Canada where there is a need for industrial electricians
In the provinces of Alberta, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan, industrial electrician job prospects are anticipated to remain favorable. There will be a shortage of skilled workers due to new job openings for industrial electricians exceeding the total number of job seekers in this field between 2022 and 2031.
To work as an industrial electrician in Canada, you need to have the right education.
In most cases, you must have completed secondary school (high school) in Canada or your home country to be an industrial electrician in Canada. A four- to five-year apprenticeship or more than five years of work experience as an industrial electrician, in addition to some courses in industrial electrical equipment from a high school, college, or industry, may be required for the majority of jobs as an industrial electrician.
The Canadian industrial electrician certification system by province
In Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Manitoba, this trade is considered mandatory and requires a formal apprenticeship or relevant education. However, in other parts of Canada, it is not required.
It takes industrial electricians about five years (9000 hours) to complete the apprenticeship program. Of this, hands-on preparing requires 8,160 hours and in-school preparing requires 840 hours.
To obtain a Certificate of Qualification to practice as an industrial electrician, candidates must pass a certifying examination. You may need to get the certificate renewed regularly, depending on whether the trade is considered compulsory or non-compulsory in your province or territory.
Canada’s median salary for industrial electricians
In Canada, industrial electricians earn an average of $37 per hour. However, industrial electricians with experience can earn more than $50 per hour.
(NOC 72106) Welder
Welders typically work in the heavy machinery, aircraft, shipping, metal production, and steel and plate work manufacturing industries as operators of welding and soldering equipment. Some welders may own their businesses or contract with other welding businesses.
provinces in Canada where welders are in high demand
Welders are in high demand in Alberta, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, and Prince Edward Island in Canada. Welders have moderately favorable job prospects in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Manitoba.
Qualifications needed to work as a welder in Canada
You must have completed secondary school (high school) in Canada or your home country to become a welder in Canada. A three-year apprenticeship or three years of work experience, in addition to some college or industry courses, may be required for some welding jobs. For some welding jobs, experience with robotics or machine operation may also be required.
Canada’s welder certification system by province
Only in Alberta, where a formal apprenticeship or training is required to practice welding, is it considered a mandatory trade. Certification is optional in every other province and territory.
You will typically be required to complete an apprenticeship program that lasts approximately three years (6,000 hours), although the certification process varies by province. 5,280 hours of classroom instruction and 720 hours on the job are typically part of this apprenticeship. To receive a Certificate of Qualification, the applicant must pass a certification exam after the apprenticeship program. You are not required to renew this certificate.
Canadian median wages for welders
In Canada, the average hourly wage for welders is $26. On the other hand, welders with a lot of experience or welders who work in high-skilled industries may earn as much as $42 per hour.
(NOC 63210) hairstylist
Hairstylists, also known as hairdressers or barbers, typically cut and style hair in salons, barber shops, vocational schools, or film and theater facilities.
Provinces in Canada where hairstylists are in high demand
In the provinces of Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan, there is a moderate to strong demand for hairstylists. It is anticipated that there will be a greater demand for hairstylists in Canada than there will be applicants for those positions between 2022 and 2031.
Canada’s requirements for a hairstylist’s education
If you want to work as a hairstylist in a province where certification is required, you must either complete a two-year apprenticeship or an accredited secondary or postsecondary training program.
Canada’s hairstylist certification system by province
Except for the Yukon, hairstyling is a regulated occupation in all of Canada. In Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, hairstyling trade certification is required, while it is optional in other provinces and territories.
If you have completed a two-year apprenticeship program with 3,020 hours of on-the-job work experience and 480 hours of in-school training, or if your studies and hairstyling experience are from outside Canada, if you qualify through the Trade Equivalency Assessment program, you may be eligible for certification.
You will require an annual renewal of your Certificate of Qualification if you pass the certification exam after completing your apprenticeship or educational program.
Canada’s median salary for hairstylists
In Canada, hairstylists earn an average of $17 per hour, but more experienced tradespeople can earn as much as $27.50 per hour, and the job often requires tips.
Technician in automotive maintenance (NOC 72410)
The inspection, diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of automobiles and other vehicles are the duties of automotive service technicians. In most cases, they need to be familiar with the electrical, electronic, and mechanical parts of cars. They might also need to tell customers about how their cars generally are and what they need to be fixed.
Provinces in Canada where there is a need for automotive service technicians
In Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, and Yukon, job prospects for automotive service technicians are anticipated to be favorable in the upcoming years. Between the years 2022 and 2031, there will probably be a shortage of 10,000 automotive service technicians in Canada, and there will likely be a moderate demand all over the country.
In Canada, you need to have a certain amount of education to work as a car service technician
In Canada, candidates must typically have completed secondary (high school), trade-related training, or a vocational program to become automotive service technicians. A four-year apprenticeship or a combination of four years of work experience and education may also be required for trade certification.
Canada’s certification system for automotive service technicians by province
In Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Alberta, automotive service technician trade certification is required, while it is optional in other parts of Canada. You must first complete a four-year (7,220-hour) apprenticeship program, which consists of 6,500 hours of on-the-job work experience and 720 hours of classroom instruction. You must pass a certification exam to receive a Certificate of Qualification in provinces where certification is required.
For some sub-jobs, like Internal Combustion Alternate Fuel Technician and Alignment And Brakes Technician, specialized certification may be required.
Canada’s median salary for automotive service technicians.
In Canada, automotive service technicians earn an average of $27.50 per hour. Experts in this field could make as much as $40 per hour.
(NOC 72310) Carpenter
Carpenters may be responsible for the construction, installation, upkeep, and repair of structures made of steel, alternatives to wood, or other materials. Building codes, reading blueprints, budgeting, and supervising other construction workers are typically required of them. Carpenters can work for themselves or construction firms, building maintenance departments, or other contractors.
Provinces in Canada where carpenters are in high demand
In addition to Yukon and the Northwest Territories, carpenters are in high demand in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia.
Carpentry work in Canada requires a certain level of education
To work as a carpenter in Canada, you typically need to have completed secondary school (high school). A three- or four-year apprenticeship, an equivalent amount of work experience, and carpentry courses offered by a school, college, or vocational institute may be required for trade certification and certain high-skill carpentry jobs.
Canada’s provincial certification system for carpenters
In all other regions of Canada, trade certification for carpenters is voluntary, except Quebec. You must complete a 4,200-hour apprenticeship, including 6,480 hours of on-the-job work experience and 720 hours of in-school training or equivalent, to become certified. A Certificate of Qualification and passing a certification exam are also required. Your certificate need not be renewed if carpentry is not a required trade in your province.
Canada’s median salary for carpenters
In Canada, the average hourly wage for carpenters is $30. Sometimes, skilled carpenters can earn as much as $40.51 per hour.
Mechanical Engineer (NOC 72400)
The installation, upkeep, troubleshooting, and repair of mechanical and industrial machinery are the responsibilities of industrial mechanics. Most of the time, industrial mechanics work in factories, utilities, and other industrial settings.
Provinces in Canada where there is a need for industrial mechanics
The provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan all have a significant demand for industrial mechanics.
In Canada, education is required to work as an industrial mechanic
In Canada, you must first have completed high school and take appropriate training courses or a vocational program to become an industrial mechanic. A three- to four-year apprenticeship or an equivalent combination of work experience and industry courses is required for certification in your trade.
Canadian industrial mechanics’ provincial certification process
In most provinces, a four-year apprenticeship program (8,000 hours) with 7,280 hours of on-the-job work experience and 720 hours of in-school training may be required, although the certification requirements and processes vary by province.
Some provinces do not require trade certification. However, certification is required at the highest levels in some provinces for this occupation, which is divided into multiple proficiency levels. You must pass a certification exam and receive a Certificate of Qualification to become certified as an industrial mechanic.
Canada’s median wage for industrial mechanics
In Canada, industrial mechanics earn an average of $32 per hour. Industrial mechanics with experience or those who specialize in a particular kind of machinery may earn more than $45.50 per hour.
(NOC 72300) Plumber
Most of the time, a plumber is in charge of installing, fixing, and maintaining the plumbing equipment, pipes, and other fixtures that are used in buildings to supply water and dispose of wastewater. Plumbers can work in residential, commercial, or industrial settings in Canada. Some plumbers work for plumbing contractors or independently.
Provinces in Canada where plumbers are in high demand
In Canada, plumbers are in high demand in Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, and Yukon, as well as in the Northwest Territories and Yukon.
Qualifications necessary to work as a plumber in Canada
To work as a plumber in Canada, you must have completed at least secondary school in your home country or Canada. In addition, you must have completed a five- to five-year apprenticeship or an equivalent combination of schooling and work experience if you live in a province where the plumbing profession requires mandatory certification.
The plumbing industry’s provincial certification system in Canada
Except for the Yukon, plumbing is a regulated occupation in all of Canada. In Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, trade certification is required; in other provinces and territories, it is voluntary.
Candidates must have completed a 9,000-hour apprenticeship program, which includes 8,280 hours of on-the-job work experience and 720 hours of in-school training, or an equivalent combination of work experience and plumbing courses from a school or college. If you live in a province where certification is required, you must also pass a certification exam, which must be renewed annually.
Canada’s median salary for plumbers
In Canada, the average hourly wage for plumbers is $31. Up to $42.64 per hour can be earned by plumbers with a lot of experience or skill.
Electrician for construction (NOC 72200)
Electrical fixtures, wiring, and equipment in buildings are installed, tested, repaired, and maintained by construction electricians. Construction electricians typically work for electrical contractors or in building maintenance departments in Canada.
Canadian regions where development circuit repairmen are sought after.
The provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan all have a high demand for construction electricians.
In Canada, education is required to work as a construction electrician
A secondary education and an apprenticeship program lasting four to five years are typically required to work as a construction electrician.
Canadian construction electricians’ provincial certification process
In Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, construction electricians must have a mandatory trade certification. You must complete a 9,000-hour apprenticeship program, consisting of 8,160 hours of on-the-job work experience and 840 hours of classroom instruction, to qualify for certification.
You must pass a certification exam to receive a Certificate of Qualification after the apprenticeship. You must renew your Certificate of Qualification each year if the trade in your province requires mandatory certification.
Canada’s median salary for construction electricians
In Canada, construction electricians earn an average of $30.10 per hour. Even experienced electricians can make up to $46 per hour.
Driver of a transport truck (NOC 73300)
To transport goods and cargo over short or long distances, truck drivers operate a variety of truck types, including cement mixers, tractor trucks, freight trucks, tow trucks, and cement mixers. Drivers of transport trucks can work for moving, manufacturing, distribution, and transportation companies or independently.
provinces in Canada where truck drivers are in high demand
Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan, as well as the Yukon and the Northwest Territories, all have a high demand for transport truck drivers.
Instructive prerequisites to function as a vehicle transporter in Canada
To work as a transport truck driver in Canada, you typically need to complete secondary school (also known as high school) either in your home country or in Canada. Additionally, you might be required to finish a three-month accredited driver training course at a college or vocational school.
Canada’s provincial certification system for truck drivers
Even though truck driving is regulated in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan, most of the country does not require certification. New hires typically receive on-the-job training, and in order to obtain voluntary certification, you must complete an apprenticeship program with 3,000 hours of on-the-job training and mentoring.
However, all applicants must hold a valid driver’s license for the vehicle they intend to operate; straight-body trucks, for example, require a Class 3 or D license. An endorsement for the air brake may also be required (Z).
Canadian transport truck drivers’ median pay
In Canada, the average hourly wage for truck drivers is $24, but transport truck drivers frequently earn more than $33.72 per hour, particularly if they have more on-road experience and drive long-haul trucks.
How to get a trade job as a newcomer in Canada
Where to search for jobs in the trades in Canada
Online job boards like Job Bank, LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, Monster, and GrabJobs are good places to start your job search. Additionally, you might want to sign up with employment agencies like Robert Half, Hays Canada, or other local organizations that focus on trade jobs.
However, it is essential to keep in mind that many open positions in Canada are filled through the network of recruiters rather than being advertised or posted to the public. Even before you arrive in Canada, you can start networking with other tradespeople in your field. This is a great way to learn about the certification process and the skills or education that employers typically seek, in addition to assisting you in locating hidden industry jobs.
How to apply for Canadian trade jobs
You must create a resume in the Canadian format before applying for jobs in Canada. The format of your resume in Canada may be different from what you used in your home country. In contrast to other resume formats, the Canadian style emphasizes your skills and accomplishments rather than your job responsibilities. A tradesperson’s resume will probably be most useful in the functional (or skills-based) format.
Customizing your resume with keywords from the job description is essential because many Canadian employers use an applicant tracking system (ATS) that selects resumes that best match the job description. A cover letter should also be included with your application.
In most cases, there are multiple rounds of interviews and the selection of a resume in the Canadian hiring process. By preparing for interviews in advance, researching the company and the interviewers, and practicing responses to frequently asked interview questions, you can significantly increase your chances of getting a job in Canada.
Skilled tradespeople can find work in a wide range of industries in Canada. Certification is required for many trade occupations, many of which are governed by the government. On the other hand, once you have a certificate, you can work anywhere in the province.
