Why the Skilled Trades?
Jobs in the skilled trades are becoming more and more popular in Ontario for a number of reasons. Careers in the skilled trades are high in demand, meaning that there are many opportunities available in a variety of career fields. In addition, the trades provide you with on-the-job paid training, so you get paid while you learn. Furthermore, the in-school training portion takes much less time than attending a regular college or university, which makes this an ideal option for those who want to jump right into the field.
More Savings, Less Debt
- A career in the trades lets you earn money while you learn.
- About 80% of training occurs while getting paid on the job.
- In-school training is in short blocks of 6-12 weeks.
- The cost for attending in-school apprenticeship training is significantly lower than that of most college and university programs
Get Financial Support
There are government apprenticeship loans for tools and school fees as well as apprenticeship tax credits, and grants for completion of school terms and qualification exams!
- Loans for Tools: Loans of up to $800, depending on the trade, for first year apprentices when they register.
- Canada Apprentice Loan: Loans of up to $4,000 for apprentices per period of technical training in school.
- Apprenticeship Incentive Grant: Grants of up to $1,000 for apprentices per year, to a maximum of $2,000, upon completion of an in-class portion of apprenticeship training in a Red Seal trade.
- Ontario Bonus to Completed Apprentices in non-Red Seal Trade: Grants for apprentices of up to $1,000 per year, to a maximum of $2,000, upon completion of an in-class portion of apprenticeship training in a non-Red Seal trade.
- Apprenticeship Completion Grant: Grants for former apprentices of up to $2000 upon obtaining journeyperson certification in a Red Seal trade.
- Apprenticeship Completion Bonus: A taxable cash grant of $2,000 available to registered apprentices in non-Red Seal Trades upon obtaining Certificate of Qualification.
- Trades Person’s Tools Deduction: Deduct on your annual income tax the cost of eligible tools purchased, including HST.
Employers may apply for government tax credits if they take on an apprentice, and for helping an apprentice complete his or her journeyperson exams.
Learn By Doing
- Minimize your time in class, and maximize your time practising skills on the job.
- In-school training is hands-on, with minimal textbooks or lectures.
Make a Difference
Tradespeople create buildings and bridges. They fix machines and vehicles. They feed us. They make us safe. They create and maintain structures and items we use every day.
Earn a Good Wage
Some tradespeople can make up to $60,000/year right out of school! As your career advances, you can make more than $100,000, depending on the trade and location. (EarnWhileYouLearn.ca)
Good Employment Prospects
- Many skilled trades’ workers are currently in their 50’s and are expected to retire in the next decade.
- Choosing a highly skilled career reduces the chances of having your job offshored or automated.
- Many skilled trades’ certifications are nationally recognized through Red Seal, giving journey persons the ability to work across the country and travel.
Start Your Own Business
- Set your own hours
- Be your own boss
- Follow your own dreams, instead of someone else’s
- Be a leader
- Make change in your trade: for your clients, for the community, or for the planet
Made in the Trades – Guide Homepage | Job Seekers – Get Started