How to Use College Trades

Thinking about entering a trade but don't know where to start? Here are our recommended steps for getting the most out of this website and starting your path to a rewarding career.

Check out our Find Your Trade program search to see college programs with embedded apprenticeship curriculum (i.e., level 1, 2, 3) - meaning they'll help you skip the in-class training portion of a future apprenticeship!

View our Apprenticeships section to learn about college and traditional pathways into an apprenticeship and skilled trades career.

See our Why College? section to learn how an Ontario College program can help you access an apprenticeship and skilled trades career.

Learn about new college programs, events, and facilities in the skilled trades through our Discover blog.

See our Careers section to learn about employment pathways in the skilled trades, including jobs found in the following fields:

Check out skilled trades websites, tools, and events in our Resources section.

Talk to our Contact Centre representatives via phone or email to get answers to your questions about the skilled trades, apprenticeship, and college programs.

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Did you know?

  • Every program featured on this site includes portions of the required in-class apprenticeship curriculum - meaning they exempt you from additional classroom training!
  • If you complete a college trades program with embedded apprenticeship curriculum, you could skip the entire in-class training portion of a future apprenticeship!
  • You can access a huge variety of trades careers across the construction, industrial, motive power, and service sectors.
  • Median incomes for Canada’s skilled trades range from $80,000 to $100,000 per year.1
  • It’s estimated that 700,000 tradespeople will retire by 2028 – meaning there will be huge need for new skilled trades workers!2

Ontario’s Skilled Trades Need You!

140+
Skilled trades currently available in Ontario1
300
Designated trades to choose from in Canada2
54
Trades that have the Red Seal designation, giving you the freedom to work anywhere in Canada3
256K
New apprentices needed over the next five years to meet demand in Canada4
700K
Number of skilled tradespeople expected to retire between 2019 and 20285
309K
Number of new construction workers needed in Canada between 2021 and 20306

New $2M Program Designed to Draw More Women into the Trades

A new $2M initiative aims to boost women in Canada's skilled trades, focusing on mentorship, networking, and promoting the benefits of the Red Seal program.

Helpful Resources

Check out the websites, events, and programs that can help you learn more about the skilled trades and find the right field for you!