When you think of skilled trades, a few might immediately spring to mind, but in reality there are more than 200 designated skilled trades in Canada!
As industry needs differ across the country, not all trades are practiced in every province and territory. Here in Ontario, we have over
150 designated skilled trades for which
apprenticeship is the preferred or required pathway towards becoming qualified. These trades are regulated through the
Ontario College of Trades and Apprenticeship Act, 2009 (OCTAA).
Exploring Trades in High School
District School Board of Niagara students can start exploring options in the skilled trades while they are still in high school through DSBN Technology and Experiential Learning programs, such as Technology courses, Cooperative Education (Co-op), the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM), DSBN Skills Challenges, Job Shadowing/Job Twinning programs and more!
Compulsory Trades
To work in a skilled trade designated "Compulsory" you must be a registered Apprentice or a fully qualified Journeyperson. Co-op students may participate in placements in Compulsory trades; however, they must complete and submit the OYAP Participant form. For names of specific Compulsory trades, please see the sector category lists.
Skilled Trades Sectors
Generally, apprenticeship skilled trades fall within four main sector categories (click on the sector for more information):
Construction
Industrial
Motive Power
Services
Although the construction sector contains approximately 40-50% of skilled trade workers, there are a multitude of career options available for every interest and aptitude. In 2009, 81% of all active apprentices were working in one of 55 Red Seal trades (source:
careersintrades.ca).