Resources

Empowering Your Journey: Essential Resources for Trades Education

Check out these valuable resources from the Government of Ontario and some of our college partners

Websites

Presented by OCAS, ontariocolleges.ca is the central hub for applying to college in Ontario. Create an account, upload transcripts, and get started on your career in the skilled trades and technology today.

Support Ontario Youth is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping apprentices and employers understand the apprenticeship journey. Their goal is to simplify the often-complicated apprenticeship pathway to effectively support those looking to enter the skilled trades.

A not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping women succeed in the Canadian construction industry, the CAWIC provides events, sponsorships, bursaries, and mentorship opportunities.

A government-funded website dedicated to helping Canadians understand the value of a career in the skilled trades, Job Talks features video interviews with actual tradespeople and information about how they entered and advanced in their careers.

A government-funded program that helps students transition from secondary school to college by developing dual credit programs. The credits earned through these programs are recognized by both secondary schools and colleges.

Skills Ontario encourages youth to pursue a career in the skilled trades and related technology industries, specifically in the growing areas of construction, infrastructure, technology innovation, and hospitality services.

ApprenticeSearch.com is a free online job search and matching platform with an exclusive focus on apprenticeship trade positions in Canada.

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program is a specialized program in high school that allows you to explore apprenticeship and consider careers in the skilled trades, generally starting in Grade 11 or Grade 12 through the cooperative education program.

Skilled Trades Ontario is an agency of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development responsible for apprenticeship and skilled trades certification in Ontario.

If you’re interested in starting a career in the trades, be sure to check out a Level Up! career fair event in a community near one. Featuring interactive exhibitions and hands-on activities, these multi-day events help prospective tradespeople meet industry professionals and learn about opportunities in the trades.

Events and Series

This podcast helps prospective tradespeople learn about careers in the skilled trades and technologies. Episodes feature guests who work in the trades, as well as representatives from Ontario colleges, high school teachers, guidance counsellors, and more.

Programs

Supported by the Ontario government, Better Jobs Ontario helps individuals who’ve experienced a layoff access financial support for tuition, books, transportation, and even childcare in pursuit of the skills required to start a new career.

The Red Seal Program sets universal standards for Canadian trades skills through a partnership between the federal government and the provinces and territories. Through this program, certified tradespeople can secure employment anywhere in Canada.