Skilled Trades Ontario is the one-stop shop for opportunities in the skilled trades and the promotion of rewarding careers that support Ontario’s economy.
In Ontario, there are more than 140 skilled trades to choose from in key industries, including mechanical, electrical, automotive, manufacturing, building, and service. Many recognized trades in Ontario have apprenticeship programs.
Apprenticeship training provides access to well-paying jobs that demand a high level of skill, judgment, and creativity. As an apprentice, you learn a skilled trade on the job—and get paid while you do it.
You learn from experienced workers and gain hands-on experience in the field. You also receive classroom instruction from instructors who know the trade. This may take place on a college campus, union training center, or another training environment.
For most trades, once you are a registered apprentice, you work for a year or more and then switch to studying in class for 8 to 12 weeks, either full or part-time. This cycle will repeat several times over the course of your apprenticeship training. It takes between 2 to 5 years to complete an apprenticeship.
The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development administers apprenticeship programs in Ontario.