Ontario Immigration - Working in Ontario

Trades in Ontario

Ontario has over 150 recognized trades, of which 22 require mandatory certification. Use the links below to find out which trades require certification and which trades have voluntary certification. You can also learn about the training opportunities and services available to you across Ontario.

Please note that apprentices and certified skilled workers in compulsory trades must be members of the Ontario College of Trades.

FAQs for Apprentices – answer questions about becoming an apprentice.

Services for Apprentices – The Government of Ontario offers services to help apprentices become certified in their field. Find out what services are available to you and where you can access those services across Ontario.

Mandatory and Voluntary certification – This link lists all the trades. The triangle indicates that certification is required. For all the other trades listed, certification is voluntary.

Career Maps

The Ontario Government has developed Career Maps for certain trades that explain in detail every step of the certification process.

Find additional profiles for certain trades.

Bridge Training Programs

Bridging programs are intended to help qualified internationally trained individuals move quickly into the labour market by assessing their existing skills and competencies and providing training and Canadian workplace experience without duplicating what they have already learned. This is a list of bridging programs for trades in Ontario.

Bridge Training in the Mining Professions and Trades

Canadore College of Applied Arts and Technology

This program will develop Occupation Specific Language Training for the skilled mining professions and trades. It will also help participants to prepare for the Canadian Mining Credentials Program (CMCP), Certificate of Qualification Exams, a voluntary, national certification in the mining sector to improve skills recognition and employability of workers in the mining sector.

Website: www.canadorec.on.ca
E-mail: marylou.rainville@canadorec.on.ca
Location: North Bay

Construction Management for Internationally Educated Professionals

George Brown College

This program helps internationally trained individuals enter the Ontario construction workforce in construction management positions. It includes a workplace experience component to help participants quickly transition into a construction management job. Participants receive graduate-level training that builds on their internationally acquired education and experience.

Website: www.georgebrown.ca/Marketing/FTCal/buildtech/T403.aspx
Email: construction@georgebrown.ca
Telephone: 416-415-5000 ext. 4398
Location: Toronto

Programme Accès aux Métiers de la Construction pour les Immigrants «PAMCI»
[Access to Construction Trades Program for Immigrants “ACTPI”]

La Cité Collégiale

This program helps internationally trained individuals find employment in construction-related trades. The program offers practical and theoretical courses in specific skilled trades. It also provides participants with higher level French language courses, as well as occupation-specific language training in both French and English. Participants also receive assistance to get practical internships or apprenticeships. Mentorship and support in securing job placements or apprenticeships in construction-related trades are also provided.

Website: www.lacitec.on.ca
Email: info@lacitec.on.ca
Telephone: 613-742-2493
Location: Ottawa

Trades Win Support Program

Skills for Change

This program prepares internationally trained industrial electricians, construction and maintenance electricians, industrial mechanics (millwrights), plumbers, carpenters, and heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics to write and pass their Certification of Qualification exams and find work in their field. Trade-specific technical and workplace language training is incorporated throughout all program components.

Website: www.skillsforchange.org
Contact: www.skillsforchange.org/peel/contact-us
Phone: 905-595-1679 ext.103
Location: York Region, Peel Region

Go back to the Work in Your Profession page

What is a temporary work permit and how can I get one?

Temporary work permits are used to give you permission to work for a specific period of time with an employer in Ontario. You must obtain this permit before entering Canada. Your Canadian employer will be required to consult with Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Citizenship and Immigration Canada. You may also be interested in the Ontario's Multinational Employee Transfer.
How do I find a job in Ontario?

You can access job offers, wage information, job demand and skills requirements with the Working in Canada tool. You may also benefit from labour market information that will provide you with current market trends. Employment Ontario funds a variety of services to help you in your job search. Jobs are also advertised in newspapers, on websites and through local employment agencies.
How can I get my education, professional credentials and skills assessed?

You can find information on education and credential assessment on our site and learn about Ontario's professional licensing bodies. You may also want to know about apprenticeship program to work in the trades and about bridge training programs to enter the Canadian market.
Where can I get job-specific training?

The Ontario government supports Bridge Training programs to help newcomers get their license or certificate in their profession or trade, so that they can work in Ontario. Find out more about these job-specific training.
What jobs and professions are in demand in Ontario?

You can use the Working in Canada tool for wage information, job demand and skills requirements in Canada. You can also find labour market information for Ontario including current market trends.
What should I do if an employer wants to hire me to work in Ontario?

You must either be a permanent resident or have a work permit in order to work in Ontario. You are also required to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). It may also be necessary to have your international academic credentials assessed and recognized.
What are my rights in the Ontario workplace?

The Employment Standards Act, 2000, known as the ESA, is a law that sets minimum standards in employment for fair workplace practices in Ontario. You can find Employment Standards information on many languages. You may find the frequently asked questions and the Guide to the Employment Standards Act published on the Ministry of Labour's site very useful.
Where can I get information on professional associations and regulatory bodies?

In Ontario, each regulated profession has its own regulatory body. You will find informaton on regulated professions and their regulatory bodies on our site by choosing your profession in the left navigation bar.
Where can I go to improve my English?

Basic English language assessment and instruction for adults is available in Ontario. School boards also deliver English as a Second Language (ESL) programs for children and non-credit programs for adults. Use our language class wizard to find an English language training program near you.
What programs are available if I want to upgrade or improve my education?

Adults who want to earn a high school diploma in Ontario may do so by attending classes through local school boards. Adults may also earn a high school diploma by studying at home through the Ontario Government's Independent Learning Centre. Universities and community colleges accept mature post-secondary students and will often offer continuing education programs.