There are many career opportunities in skilled trades besides electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
What is a Skilled Trade?
A skilled trade is a career that requires specialized knowledge and hands-on work. Skilled Trades workers generally build and maintain infrastructures such as schools, homes, hospitals, roads, parks, and farms.
The Skilled Trades keep industries running, and performing services people rely on daily.
Benefits of a Career in the Skilled Trades
Benefits of a career in the skilled trades include:
- Being paid while you learn on-the-job
- In-demand jobs and excellent earning potential
- Transferable skills
- Many opportunities for advancement
Types of Skilled Trades
Estimates from a booming construction industry indicate that skilled trades such as carpenters, electricians, pipefitters, welders, plumbers, painters, and heavy equipment operators will be vital for years to come. Some red seal trades include:
- Boilermaker
- Bricklayer
- Cabinetmaker
- Carpenter
- Concrete Finisher
- Construction Craft Worker
- Construction Electrician
- Drywall Finisher and Plaster
- Floorcovering Installer
- Gasfitter: Class A and B
- Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Industrial Electrician
- Insulator (Heat and Frost)
- Instrumentation and Control Technician
- Ironworker (General)
- Metal Fabricator (Fitter)
- Mobile Crane Operator
- Oil Heat System Technician
- Painter and Decorator
- Plumber
- Powerline Technician
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
- Roofer
- Sheet Metal Worker
- Steamfitter/Pipefitter
- Tile setter
- Tower Crane Operator
- Welder
To work in a compulsory trade, you must have a Certificate of Qualification issued by Skilled Trades Ontario or be a registered apprentice with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. Ontario has 23 trades designated as compulsory.
Learn more about each compulsory trade here.
Final Thought
If you are interested in an apprenticeship as a sponsor group, Trades for Tomorrow can help you find a placement.