Top 10 In-Demand Trade Jobs for Newcomers in Canada

Canada faces a significant shortage of skilled tradespeople across various occupations and industries. The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) initiated by the Canadian government is vital in attracting skilled tradespeople globally to settle in Canada permanently. The FSTP aims to address labour shortages by inviting experienced professionals from various parts of the world to contribute to Canada's workforce.

Trade Regulation in Canada

Trades in Canada are generally regulated by provincial, territorial, or federal regulatory authorities. These authorities oversee various aspects, including:

• Devise training standards for various trades.
• Establish apprenticeship curricula and certification exams.
• Issue and renew Certificates of Qualification for specific trades
• Assess qualifications of individuals without completed apprenticeship programs or with experience from outside the province or country.
• Maintain a public register of authorized individuals in compulsory trades.

Valid Regulatory Bodies for Trade Certification in Canada

Trade certification in Canada is overseen by provincial and territorial regulators, each with its respective regulatory body. These bodies play a vital role in certifying various trade occupations. For instance, the regulatory body in Alberta is the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, while in British Columbia, it is the Industry Training Authority British Columbia. This pattern continues across provinces and territories, such as Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, Skilled Trades Ontario, and Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission, each contributing to managing and validating trade certifications at the regional level.

Understanding Trade Certification 

In Canada, trade regulation does not automatically mean certification is compulsory. Provinces classify trades as compulsory or non-compulsory based on whether certification is necessary. Ontario, for example, has 23 compulsory and 121 non-compulsory trades. Compulsory trades require the completion of a formal apprenticeship and an annual Certificate of Qualification. You may work without certification in non-compulsory trades, but some jobs may still need it. 

As a newcomer, your overseas experience may count, and some provinces offer Trades Equivalency Assessments, making the certification process smoother if your trade requires it. You can only get a Trades Equivalency Assessment for trades with certification exams. After receiving the assessment certificate, you must pass the test to obtain a Certificate of Qualification in your trade.

Top 10 In-Demand Trade Occupations

In Canada, certain trade occupations are in high demand, offering promising career opportunities. Following are the top 10 In-demand trade occupations that can pave the way for a successful career in the Canadian job market.

1. Industrial Electrician (NOC 72201)
2. Welder (NOC 72106)
3. Construction Electrician (NOC 72200)
4. Plumber (NOC 72300)
5. Carpenter (NOC 72310)
6. Cook (NOC 63200)
7. Hairstylist (NOC 63210)
8. Transport Truck Driver (NOC 73300)
9. Industrial Mechanic (NOC 72400)
10. Automotive Service Technician (NOC 72410)

1. Industrial Electrician (NOC 72201)

Industrial electricians play a crucial role in installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical equipment and controls in industrial settings like factories, plants, shipyards, and mines. The demand for skilled industrial electricians is exceptionally high in Alberta, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan. Over the next decade, job openings in this field are anticipated to surpass the number of job seekers, leading to a shortage of qualified workers.

Eligibility Criteria

• Secondary school education is mandatory.
• Most jobs need a four to five-year apprenticeship or equivalent work experience.
• Relevant courses in industrial electrical equipment are often required.
• Certification processes vary by province: PEI, Quebec, Manitoba - compulsory; formal apprenticeships or education needed.
• Apprenticeship spans five years and 9,000 hours of training.
• Pass examination for Certificate of Qualification.
• Periodic renewals based on provincial regulations

Median Wages

Industrial electricians in Canada typically earn a median hourly wage of $37. Experienced professionals in this field can command even higher rates, with some earning over $50 per hour.

2. Welder (NOC 72106)

Welders are pivotal in industries like heavy machinery, aircraft, shipping, and metal production. Some welders even operate independent shops or work as contractors for welding companies, showcasing the versatility of their skill set. In Canada, the demand for welders is notably high in Alberta, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan. While job prospects remain moderate in Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, and Quebec, the need for skilled welders persists.

Eligibility Criteria

• Secondary school education is typically required for a welding career in Canada.
• Completing a three-year apprenticeship or three years of work experience is necessary.
• Relevant college or industry courses may be required.
• Certification processes differ across provinces, with Alberta requiring formal apprenticeship as a mandate.
• In other provinces, certification is typically considered voluntary for welders.

Median Wages

In Canada, welders typically receive a median hourly wage of $26. Those with experience or employed in high-skill industries may command a higher rate, reaching up to $42 per hour.

3. Construction Electrician (NOC 72200)

Construction electricians play a crucial role in installing, testing, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems in buildings across Canada. They usually work in building maintenance or partner with electrical contractors. The demand for construction electricians is notably high in Alberta, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan.

Eligibility Criteria

• Secondary school education
• Completing a four to five-year apprenticeship program.
• Certification processes vary by province: Compulsory certification is required in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.
• 9,000-hour apprenticeship: 8,160 hours of on-the-job experience, 840 hours in-school training.
• Certification exam for Certificate of Qualification.
• Compulsory certification requires yearly renewals.

Median Wages

Construction electricians may earn a median hourly wage of $30.10 in Canada. Experienced professionals can earn up to $46 per hour.

4. Plumber (NOC 72300)

Plumbers install, repair, and maintain plumbing equipment and fixtures for water supply and waste-water disposal in various buildings. They are required in settings like industrial, commercial, and residential establishments. Some plumbers may choose to work independently or collaborate with plumbing contractors. The demand for plumbers is notably high in Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories.

Eligibility Criteria

• A high school diploma is required for plumbing in Canada.
• Compulsory certification in some provinces mandates a five-year apprenticeship or equivalent in-school learning and work experience.
• Plumbing is regulated in Canada, except in Yukon; compulsory trade certification is in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.
• To be certified, complete a 9,000-hour apprenticeship or equivalent work and school or college courses.
• Pass a certification exam and renew annually if certification is compulsory in your province.

Median Wages

Plumbers in Canada earn a median hourly wage of $31. Those with significant experience or expertise can earn up to $42.64 per hour.

5. Carpenter (NOC 72310)

Carpenters are involved in constructing, installing, maintaining, and repairing structures made of various materials such as wood, steel, and alternatives. Their responsibilities often include understanding building codes, reading blueprints, budgeting, and supervising construction teams. Carpenters can work independently or find employment with construction companies, building maintenance departments, or other contracting entities. High demand for carpenters exists in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories.

Eligibility Criteria

• Completion of secondary school (high school) is usually required.
• Trade certification and high-skill carpentry jobs may require a three or four-year apprenticeship or equivalent work experience.
• Carpentry courses from a school, college, or vocational institute can also fulfill educational requirements.
• Trade certification is voluntary in all parts of Canada except Quebec.
• Certification involves completing a four-year apprenticeship (7,200 hours) with on-the-job experience and in-school training.
• Completing a certification exam and obtaining a Certificate of Qualification is necessary.
• Certificate renewal is not required for non-compulsory trade provinces.

Median Wages

The median hourly wage for carpenters stands at $30. Experienced carpenters may earn as high as $40.51 per hour.

6. Cook (NOC 63200)

Beyond meal preparation, cooks take on a multifaceted role, and responsibilities often extend to managing inventory, minimizing kitchen waste, cleaning workspaces, planning menus, budgeting food costs, and providing training. Cooks find employment in various settings, including restaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools, and community living institutions, where they prepare meals for guests or residents. Job prospects for cooks are promising in British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, and the three Canadian territories.

Eligibility Criteria

• Complete secondary school in Canada or your home country.
• Cooking is a non-compulsory trade; certification or apprenticeship is optional, but specific jobs may require additional training.
• Further training options include college or diploma programs in cooking or food safety, participation in apprenticeship programs for cooks, or gaining several years of commercial experience in the field.
• Cooking is a regulated occupation all over Canada, excluding Yukon; certification is mandatory for senior cooking roles through the provincial or territorial regulatory authority.
• Provinces have their own certification process, typically involving apprenticeship with in-school and on-the-job training.
• Ontario, BC, and Manitoba categorize the occupation into levels, e.g., assistant cook: 1.5-year apprenticeship (2,640 hours on-the-job, 360 hours in-school); cook 3-year apprenticeship (5,280 hours on-the-job, 720 hours in-school).
• Some provinces require a certifying exam for the highest level (Cook), leading to a Certificate of Qualification upon passing.

Median Wages

The median hourly wage for cooks is around $15.60. However, experienced cooks in Canada earn an average of $21.18 per hour.

7. Hairstylist (NOC 63210)

Hairstylists (barbers) are primarily employed at salons, barber shops, vocational schools, or in film and theatre settings. There is a notable demand for hairstylists, especially in provinces like Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan.

Eligibility Criteria

• Complete an accredited training program from a secondary or post-secondary institution.
• Or else Complete a two-year apprenticeship program.
• Hairstyling is a regulated occupation in Canada, excluding Yukon.
• Trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta and voluntary in other provinces and territories.
• Eligible for certification with a two-year apprenticeship (3,020 hours on-the-job, 480 hours in-school) or through the Trade Equivalency Assessment program.
• Must pass the certification examination, get a Certificate of Qualification, and require annual renewal.

Median Wages

Hairstylists have a median hourly wage of $17. However, seasoned professionals in the trade may earn up to $27.50 per hour, and it is common for individuals in this profession to receive tips.

8. Transport Truck Driver (NOC 73300)

Truck drivers operate various vehicles, including tractors, freight, tow, and cement mixers, to transport goods across long and short distances. They can find jobs in transportation, manufacturing, distribution, and moving companies or may work as self-employed individuals. There is a huge demand for transport truck drivers in provinces such as Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, as well as in Yukon and the Northwest Territories.

Eligibility Criteria

• Completion of secondary school is necessary for truck drivers in Canada.
• Additional completion of a three-month accredited driver training course through a vocational school or college
• Certification is required in regulated provinces like Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.
• On-the-job training is usually provided to new hires.
• Completing an apprenticeship program involving 3,000 hours of on-the-job training and mentorship is necessary for voluntary certification.
• Candidates must possess a valid driver's license corresponding to the vehicle they operate (e.g., Class 3 or D license for straight-body trucks).
• An air brake endorsement (Z) may also be required.

Median Wages

Truck drivers in Canada make around $24 per hour on average. Some, especially those with more experience driving long distances, can earn even more, with hourly wages over $33.72.

9. Industrial Mechanic (NOC 72400)

Industrial mechanics install, maintain, and fix industrial machinery and equipment and commonly work in manufacturing plants and utilities. In Canada, the demand for industrial mechanics is high in Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.

Eligibility Criteria

• Complete high school and relevant training for industrial mechanics in Canada.
• Certification involves a three to four-year apprenticeship or a mix of work experience and industry courses.
• Certification processes differ by province, often requiring a four-year apprenticeship (8,000 hours).
• Trade certification is optional; some provinces have certification for higher proficiency levels.
• To become certified, pass an examination and obtain a Certificate of Qualification.

Median Wages

Industrial mechanics in Canada earn a median hourly wage of $32, with experienced or specialized professionals making over $45.50 per hour.

10. Automotive Service Technician (NOC 72410)

Automotive service technicians inspect, diagnose, and repair vehicles requiring electrical, electronic, and mechanical components knowledge. They are skilled in understanding vehicles' electrical, electronic, and mechanical aspects, offering valuable advice to customers regarding general vehicle conditions and needed repairs. Job prospects are favourable in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, and Yukon.

Eligibility Criteria

• Secondary (high) school completion.
• Trade-related training or vocational program.
• Four-year apprenticeship program or equivalent work experience and education.
• Compulsory in Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Alberta; voluntary elsewhere.
• Four-year apprenticeship (7,220 hours) with 6,500 on-the-job and 720 in-school hours.
• Pass a certification examination for a Certificate of Qualification.
• Specialized certification for certain sub-occupations may be necessary.

Median Wages

Automotive service technicians in Canada earn a median hourly wage of $27.50. Those with trade experience can earn up to $40 per hour.

Finding Trade Jobs in Canada

Start your job search on platforms like Job Bank, LinkedIn, Indeed, and others. Register with reputable agencies like Robert Half, Hays Canada, or local specialists focusing on trade jobs. However, be aware that numerous job openings in Canada are not publicly listed but are often filled through recruiters' networks. So, it is better to start building networking with fellow tradespeople in your field, even before you arrive in Canada. 

This will inform you about the hidden job opportunities within the industry and provide valuable insights into the certification process and the skills or education employers seek.

Crafting an Effective Canadian Resume for Trades Jobs

Creating a Canadian-style resume is essential to increase your chances of securing a job in Canada. Unlike other formats, the Canadian resume emphasizes skills and achievements rather than job duties, making the functional format often the most suitable for tradespeople. Canadian employers often use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), so customizing your resume with keywords from the job description is crucial. 

Additionally, include a well-crafted cover letter. The recruitment process involves multiple steps, including resume selection and interviews. Improve your chances by preparing in advance, researching the company and interviewers, and practicing responses to common questions.

In conclusion, Canada presents abundant job opportunities for skilled tradespeople in various industries. While many trade occupations are government-regulated and necessitate certification, obtaining this credential grants the freedom to practice your profession anywhere in the province. The thriving job market and welcoming atmosphere make Canada an ideal destination for tradespeople seeking fulfilling careers and new opportunities.

At ImmiLaw Global, our experienced team, consisting of immigration lawyers and overseas study experts, assists with diverse immigration needs, from setting up Express Entry profiles to selecting PNP programs. Connect with us for expert assistance on the high-demand trade jobs in Canada and beyond.

The article offers general information and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Seek guidance from a professional advisor for specific assistance. While we aim for accuracy, we cannot guarantee complete precision. Author opinions may change over time. ImmiLaw Global and its affiliates do not explicitly or implicitly endorse third-party advice, opinions, information, products, or services.

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