Promoting skilled trades
and technologies in Ontario since 1989.

Construction

Brick and Stone Masons

Brick and stone masons make or fix walls, foundations and fireplaces, or building patios and other outdoor structures, even skyscrapers.

There are many other types of masons, too:

  • Cement Masons install, finish, maintain and restore cement and other masonry surfaces.
  • Restoration Masons fix and makeover the cracks, holes and wear and tear of brick, stone and cement surfaces.
  • Tile Setters cover interior and exterior walls, floors and ceilings with ceramic, marble and quarry tile, mosaics and terrazzo. They also make decorative wall, mural and floor designs.
  • Plasterers install, finish, maintain and restore plaster or similar material on interior and exterior walls, ceilings and building partitions to produce plain or decorative surfaces. Sometimes they spray soundproofing over walls and ceilings, too.
  • Drywall Installers and finishers apply drywall sheets to walls and ceilings.
  • Lathers put up support frameworks for ceilings, interior and exterior walls and building partitions.
  • A highly skilled and artistic discipline, Stone Carvers chisel rocks into things of beauty.

Where do Brick and Stone Masons work?

  • Construction companies
  • Brick, stone, refractory, restoration, masonry, plastering, drywalling or lathing contractors
  • Precast-concrete products manufacturers
  • Self-employed/contract work

What kind of education, training and experience do you need to be a Brick and Stone Mason?

  • A high school diploma.
  • You might need trade certification to work in your province or territory or on federal projects. Depending on the kind of work you want to pursue, you can do so by completing a two-to-four year apprenticeship, or by having a combination of three-to-four years of experience and high school, college or industry courses.
  • Earn more with an interprovincial Red Seal trade certification and work anywhere in Canada.

Average Hourly Earnings: $29.49/hour*

*Represents the average hourly wage for someone working in this field in Canada – your actual wage will depend on your experience, qualifications, company and location.

For more information, check out:

    The Canada Masonry Centre

    360 Superior Boulevard

    Mississauga, ON L5T 2N7

    Telephone: 905-564-6622

    www.canadamasonrycentre.com

    MasonryWorx

    P.O. Box 54503, 1771 Avenue Road

    Toronto, ON M5M 4N5

    Telephone: 416-496-0507

    www.masonryworx.com

Cabinetmakers

Whether it’s restoring heirloom furniture or building a custom kitchen, Cabinetmakers mix precision and creativity with power saws, jointers and sanders. People in this profession have to be able to understand the plans and specifications of the design they’re going to make and even draw up a plan from time to time. They often finish their work by brushing it with veneer or stain, too.

Where do Cabinetmakers work?

  • Furniture manufacturing and repair companies
  • Construction companies
  • Cabinetmaking contractors
  • Self-employment/contract work

What kind of education, training and experience do you need to be a Cabinetmaker?

  • A high school diploma.
  • Trade certification is optional in all provinces and territories. You can get one by completing a four-year apprenticeship program or have a combination of more than four years of work experience and some high school or college courses in cabinetmaking.
  • Earn more money with an interprovincial Red Seal trade certification and work anywhere in Canada.
  • The job market: cabinets are increasingly built in factories rather than custom-made. As such, made-to-order cabinets are becoming a specialty market, with room for only the most highly skilled Cabinetmakers.

Average Hourly Earnings: $18/hour*

*Represents the average hourly wage for someone working in this field in Canada – your actual wage will depend on your experience, qualifications, company and location.

Also known as:

  • Custom Wood Furniture Maker
  • Furniture Cabinetmaker
  • Jig Builder - Wood Products Manufacturing
  • Custom Wooden Desk Maker
  • Patternmaker

For more information, check out

    Wood Manufacturing Council

    130 Albert Street, Suite 1016

    Ottawa, ON K1P 5G4

    elephone: 613-567-5511

    www.wmc-cfb.ca

Crane Operator

Crane operators handle some of the biggest machines around; at times, they use machines that are more than 10 storeys tall and can easily lift an average-sized house. Crane Operators control these massive machines from an all-weather cockpit, using huge draglines to move heavy objects that no other equipment can lift. It’s not a job for those with a fear of heights.

Where do Crane Operators work?

  • Construction
  • Quarrying
  • Cargo handling
  • Contractor companies
  • Mining
  • Industry
  • Railway
  • Government

What kind of education, training and experience do you need to be a Crane Operator?

  • You need a high school diploma; many new recruits have a trade or vocational certificate or a community college diploma, too.
  • An apprenticeship of one-to-three years or crane operation courses, trade certification in some provinces and a license to drive a mobile crane on public roads.
  • Red Seal Certification is available, making it easy to work anywhere in Canada.
  • The job market: robots and computer controls are making a career as a crane operator more of a skilled and interesting job.

Average Hourly Earnings: $35.82/hour*

*Represents the average hourly wage for someone working in this field in Canada – your actual wage will depend on your experience, qualifications, company and location.

For more information, check out:

    International Union of Operating Engineers Local 793

    2245 Speers Road

    Oakville, ON L6L 6X8

    Telephone: 905-469-9299

    www.iuoelocal793.org

Electricians

You already know how to change a light bulb. Now imagine having the ability to light up the Rogers Centre or wire up the stage for the next big rock concert. Of course, you would also be in high demand and there’s a good chance that you could work for yourself.

Duties:

  • Read and interpret drawings and electrical code specifications to determine wiring layouts.
  • Install, replace and repair lighting fixtures and electrical control, fire alarm and electrical distribution equipment such as switches, relays and circuit breaker panels.
  • Connect wires to fixtures to form circuits.
  • Test circuits to ensure compatibility and safety.
  • Troubleshoot and isolate faults in electrical and electronic systems.
  • EConnect electrical power to sound and visual communication equipment, signaling devices and heating and cooling systems.

Where do Electricians work?

  • Construction
  • Accommodation and food services
  • Education
  • Hospitals
  • Wholesale trade
  • Electric power utilities
  • Mining
  • Self-employed/contract work

What kind of education, training and experience do you need to be an Electrician?

  • A high school diploma. Most young workers have a trade or vocational certificate or a community college diploma, too.
  • A four or five year apprenticeship.
  • Trade certification is compulsory for construction electricians in most areas. It is available, but voluntary, in Manitoba, the Northwest Territories and the Yukon.
  • Trade certification is compulsory for domestic and rural electricians in Ontario and Quebec.
  • According to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Electricians require a construction and maintenance license.
  • Red Seal Certification is available, making it easy to work anywhere in Canada.

Average Hourly Earnings: $31.13/hour*

*Represents the average hourly wage for someone working in this field in Canada – your actual wage will depend on your experience, qualifications, company and location.

Also known as:

  • Construction and Maintenance Electrician
  • onstruction Electrician Apprentice
  • Domestic and Rural Electrician

For more information, check out

    ECAO Electrical Contractors

    Association of Ontario

    170 Attwell Drive, Suite 460

    Toronto, ON M9W 5Z5

    Telephone: 416-675-3226

    www.ecao.org

    International Brotherhood of Electrical

    Workers Construction Council of Ontario

    61 International Boulevard, Suite 209

    Etobicoke, ON M9W 6K4

    Telephone: 416-674-6940

    www.ibewcco.org

Gas Fitters/Gas Technicians

Gas Fitters install, inspect, repair and maintain gas lines, meters, gas furnaces, appliances and other gas equipment in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. With explosive gases flowing through our neighbourhoods, these tradespeople are essential to the health and safety of Canadian families, workplaces and industry by preventing fires and explosions.

Duties

  • Study blueprints, drawings and technical specifications to determine the layout, installation procedures and materials required for a job. They measure, mark and position reference points for installation of gas lines and equipment and open walls, or oversee digging.
  • Install gas lines, including pipes, meters, flues, vents, regulators and other equipment, between the gas source unit and gas meter.
  • Maintain and repair gas lines, heating units and parts and gas appliances and related equipment.
  • Test and adjust controls, check pipes and connections, use gas detecting devices to respond to reports of leaks. Gas Fitters/Gas Technicians may be asked to assist in the investigation of gas fires and explosions.
  • Advise clients regarding safety, maintenance and standards of gas units and systems and prepare work logs and inspection reports.

Where do Gas Fitters/Gas Technicians work?

  • Maintenance departments of factories, plants and similar organizations
  • Trade contractors and gas utility/servicing companies
  • Self-employment/contract work

What kind of education, training and experience do you need to be a Gas Fitter/Gas Technician?

  • High school diploma.
  • Mechanical ability is important, therefore, try to get some related experience as a labourer; many people transfer skills from plumbing or other trades to become Gas Fitters, however, even a part-time job answering phones at a gas or heating company is valuable.
  • Gas Fitters must be certified or licensed in every province and territory. To qualify, you must complete a three or four-year approved apprenticeship program. They are available through trade organizations, technical institutes and community colleges.
  • Gas Fitters usually require safety training and may have to attend safety courses. They must also keep up with rapid technological change in the work environment.
  • To keep your earnings and employability up, take upgrading courses often.

Average Hourly Earnings: $27.50/hour*

*Represents the average hourly wage of someone working in this field in Canada – your actual wage will depend on your experience, certifications, company and location.

Also Known as:

    Gas Customer Servicer

    Gas Servicer

    Gas Fitter Apprentice

    Gas Technician

For more information, check out

Union Gas, a Spectra Energy Company

50 Keil Drive North, PO Box 2001

Chatham, ON N7M 5M1

Telephone: 519-352-3100

www.uniongas.com

General Carpenters

Carpenters can build pretty much anything that is made of wood, wood substitutes and other materials such as plastic and metal.

Duties:

  • Read and interpret blueprints, drawings and sketches.
  • Prepare plans and layouts that conform to building codes.
  • Measure, cut, shape and put together anything made of wood and wood substitutes.
  • Construct foundations, install floor beams, lay subflooring, put up walls and build roofs.
  • Fit and install doors, stairs, molding and hardware.
  • Maintain, repair and renovate houses and the wood parts of mills, mines, hospitals, industrial plants and other buildings.

Where do Carpenters work?

  • Construction companies
  • Self-employed/contract work
  • Maintenance departments of factories and industrial plants
  • Carpentry contractors
  • Offices

What kind of education, training and experience do you need to be a Carpenter?

  • A high school diploma. You can get a head start by studying math and taking shop class
  • Once you’re out of school, apply for apprenticeship training with the local labour-management program of the carpenters’ union and construction contractors. Many communities have joint labour and management apprenticeship committees that will accept your application for training.
  • Red Seal Certification is available, making it easy to work anywhere in Canada.

Average Hourly Earnings: $27.88/hour*

*Represents the average hourly wage for someone working in this field in Canada – your actual wage will depend on your experience, qualifications, company and location.

Also known as

    Carpenter

    Maintenance Carpenter

    Renovation Carpenter

    Finish Carpenter

    Metal Framer - Carpentry

    Rough Carpenter

For more information, check out:

    Carpenters’ District Council of Ontario

    222 Rowntree Dairy Road

    Woodbridge, ON L4L 9T2

    Telephone: 1-888-803-5008

    thecarpentersunion.ca

Glazier Metal Mechanics

Glazier Metal Mechanics cut, fit and install anything that’s made of glass, such as windows, mirrors, skylights, the outside of glass buildings and display cases. They also get to work with a huge variety of glazing materials like art glass, leaded prism glass, beveled glass, protection glass, plate-glass and plastics

Where do Glazier Metal Mechanics work?

  • Construction
  • Restoration
  • Self-employment/contract work

What kind of education, training and experience do you need to be a Glazier Metal Mechanic?

  • High school diploma.
  • Apprenticeship: the program is offered by a union called the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades. At the time your application is received by the union, you must be at least 16 years old with a high school diploma.
  • You should be comfortable with heights, be in good physical condition and be willing to work both indoors and outdoors.
  • Good hand-eye coordination, strong attention to detail and the ability to work delicately and with patience are important for glazier metal mechanics.
  • Red Seal Certification is available, making it easy to work anywhere in Canada.

Average Hourly Earnings: $22/hour*

*Represents the average hourly wage for someone working in this field in Canada – your actual wage will depend on your experience, qualifications, company and location.

Also known as:

  • Glazier
  • Stained Glass Glazier
  • Plate Glass Installer
  • Structural Glass Glazier

For more information, check out

    Glass, Molders, Potter, Plastics and Allied Workers International Union (GMPIU)

    P.O. Box 20133

    Woodstock, ON N4S 8X8

    Telephone: 519-537-7904

    www.gmpiu.org

    Interior Finishing Systems

    Training Centre

    60 Sharer Road

    Woodbridge, ON L4L 8P4

    Telephone: 416-740-5411

    www.ifstc.com

HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) Mechanics

HVACR Mechanics are the workplace and home comfort specialists; they make it so that you’re comfortable enough to live and work by making homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Duties:

  • Set up commercial and industrial refrigeration and air conditioning systems and connect the required refrigerant pipes
  • Overhaul, repair, test and adjust refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
  • Connect equipment to ductwork, refrigerant lines and electrical power sources.
  • Install air and water filters and electrical wiring on compressor and circulatory fans.
  • Test lines to detect leaks.
  • Repair or replace the controls, electric wiring or other parts of broken-down equipment.

Where do HVACR Mechanics work?

  • Plumbing, heating and air conditioning construction firms
  • Mechanical construction firms
  • Commercial refrigerator and air conditioner manufacturers
  • Appliance retail stores
  • elf-employed/contract work

What kind of education, training and experience do you need to be an HVACR Mechanic?

  • This is the most mechanically-oriented of the pipe trades. As such, it’s best if you’re good with machines and have a good background in mathematics.
  • You must be at least 16-years-old and have a minimum grade 12 education.
  • You can get training through an apprenticeship program offered by the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada (this union is known as “the U. A.”).
  • It’s a good idea to upgrade your computer skills and keep up-to-date with changes in computer technology in this field. That way, you’ll be more employable and increase your earnings.

Average Hourly Earnings: $27/hour*

*Represents the average hourly wage for someone working in this field in Canada – your actual wage will depend on your experience, qualifications, company and location.

Also known as:

  • Central Air Conditioning Mechanic
  • Commercial Air Conditioning Mechanic
  • Heating and Cooling Mechanic
  • Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Mechanic
  • Refrigeration Mechanic
  • Transport Refrigeration Mechanic

For more information, check out:

    United Association Local 787

    Refrigeration Workers of Ontario

    419 Deerhurst Drive

    Brampton, ON L6T 5K3

    Telephone: 905-790-1022

    www.ualocal787.org

    Heating, Refrigeration and Air

    Conditioning Institute of Canada

    2800 Skymark Avenue

    Building 1, Suite 201

    Mississauga, ON L4W 5A6

    Telephone: 905-602-4700

    www.hrai.ca

Landscape Horticulturist Technician

A career in this field would require you to have knowledge of horticulture and an appreciation of the outdoors. You would also need to have an eye for creativity and design.

Where do Landscape Horticulturists work?

  • Landscaping companies
  • Golf courses
  • Cemeteries
  • Parks

What kind of education, training and experience do you need to be a Landscape Horticulturist?

  • A high school diploma.
  • They usually need a college diploma and training and experience in agriculture, aquaculture, landscaping or horticulture.
  • A Certificate of Apprenticeship is available and a good idea, but it is voluntary.
  • Red Seal Certification is available, making it easy to work anywhere in Canada.

Average Hourly Earnings: $20.00/hour*

*Represents the average hourly wage for someone working in this field in Canada – your actual wage will depend on your experience, qualifications, company and location.

For more information, check out

Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association

7856 Fifth Line South, RR#4

Milton, ON L9T 2X8

Telephone: 1-800-265-5656

www.horttrades.com

Plumbers and Pipefitters

Plumbers install and repair pipes, plumbing fixtures and equipment in residential, business and industrial sites. But what Plumbers really do is work wizardry with water; they make water defy gravity by getting it to flow up instead of down. Every building in the country needs a Plumber.

Pipefitters

Pipefitters and Steamfitters lay out, assemble, build, maintain and fix the piping systems that carry water, steam, chemicals and fuel in heating, as well as cooling to, and throughout, buildings. Without these tradespeople, your house would be unlivable, without water or heat. Sprinkler System Installers make, install, test and repair sprinkler systems that are designed to put out fires before anyone is hurt or property is burnt. Sprinkler System Installers work with many different kinds of systems, such as water, foam, carbon dioxide and dry chemicals.

Where do Plumbers and Pipefitters work?

  • Maintenance departments of factories, industrial plants or similar organizations
  • Self-employment/contract work
  • Trade contractors
  • Gas utilities or gas servicing companies

What kind of education, training and experience do you need to be a Plumber or Pipefitter?

  • A high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Plumbing is a complex job; it’s a good idea to take courses in mathematics and drafting and develop good communication and writing skills.
  • Certification is available through completing an apprenticeship, or by having a combination of experience and high school, college or industry courses. Trade certification may be required or voluntary depending on the province or territory
  • Red Seal Certification is available, making it easy to work anywhere in Canada.Training through a union
  • A union apprenticeship program is offered by the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada (known as “the U.A.”).
  • When applying, you must be at least 16-years-old and have a minimum of a grade 12 education.

Average Hourly Earnings: Plumber: $31.94/hour* Pipefitter: $30.00/hour*

*Represents the average hourly wage for someone working in this field in Canada – your actual wage will depend on your experience, qualifications, company and location.

Also known as:

  • Maintenance Plumber
  • Plumbing Mechanic

    • For more information, check out

      United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of Canada - UA Local 787

      419 Deerhurst Drive, Brampton, ON L6T 5K3

      Telephone: 905-790-1022

      www.ualocal787.org

      Ontario Pipe Trades Council

      Confederation Square

      45 Goderich Road, Suite 203

      Hamilton, ON L8E 4W8

      Telephone: 905-573-3703

      www.optc.org

    Sheet Metal Workers

    Sheet Metal Workers fabricate, assemble, install and repair sheet metal products. They shear, form, fabricate, weld, solder and assemble a host of items made from galvanized iron, sheet steel, copper, nickel alloy, stainless steel, aluminum, plastics and ceramics.

    Duties:

    • Read engineering and architectural drawings and sketches of work specifications to be performed.
    • Lay out, measure and mark sheet metal according to drawings or templates.
    • Develop patterns for sheet metal using computer-assisted design and drafting (CADD) software packages.
    • Operate light metalworking machines such as shears, brakes, punches and drill presses to cut, bend, punch, drill, shape or straighten sheet metal.
    • Operate computerized laser or plasma-cutting equipment to cut sheet metal.
    • Fit and join sheet metal parts using riveter, welding, soldering and similar equipment to fabricate products such as ventilation shafts, eaves troughs, partition frames, air and heat ducts, roof decking and sheet metal buildings.
    • Work according to building codes.
    • Grind and buff seams, joints and rough surfaces.
    • Inspect product quality and installation.

    Where do Sheet Metal Workers work?

    • Aircraft and parts manufacturers
    • Construction firms
    • Primary steel producers
    • Stamping press and coated metal products companies
    • Plumbing, heating and air conditioning firms
    • Fabricated structural metal product producers
    • Ship building companies
    • Sheet metal fabrication and welding shops

    What kind of education, training and experience do you need to be a Sheet Metal Worker?

    • To successfully become a Sheet Metal Worker, you need a high school diploma with courses in math, English and science, before entering an apprenticeship of 9,000 hours.
    • Completion of a written test to receive your Certificate of Qualification upon completion of your apprenticeship.
    • Red Seal Certification is available, making it easy to work anywhere in Canada.

    Average Hourly Earnings: $29.15/hour*

    *Represents the average hourly wage of someone working in this field in Canada – your actual wage will depend on your experience, certifications, company and location.

    Also knowns as:

    • Sheet Metal Fabricator
    • Sheet Metal Mechanic
    • Tinsmith

    For more information, check out

    Sheet Metal Workers & Roofers Local Union 30

    14 Cosentino Drive

    Toronto, ON M1P 3A2

    Telephone: 1-800-268-3562

    www.smwia-l30.com

    Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Setters

    Using marble, quarry tile, mosaics and terrazzo, they produce decorative wall, mural and floor designs that beautify our day-to-day lives.

    Where do Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Setters work?

    • Construction companies
    • Brick, stone, refractory, restoration, masonry, plastering, dry walling, and lathing contractors
    • Precast concrete products manufacturers
    • Self-employment/contract work

    What kind of education, training and experience do you need to be a Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Setter?

    • High school diploma. Some workers have a vocational certificate or community college diploma. Math, science and physical education courses can come in handy.
    • o gain trade certification, you must finish a two-to-four year apprenticeship, or have a combination of three or four years of experience as well as high school, college or industry courses.
    • To be successful in this trade, manual dexterity, the ability to do hard physical labour, organizational skills and creativity are essential.
    • Red Seal Certification is available, making it easy to work anywhere in Canada.

    Also known as:

    • Ceramic Tile Installer
    • Marble Setter
    • Terrazzo Polisher
    • Terrazzo Worker
    • Tile Installer
    • Tilesetter

    For more information, check out

    Terrazzo, Tile & Marble Guild of Ontario, Inc.

    30 Capstan Gate

    Thornhill, ON L4K 3E8

    Telephone: 905-660-4816

    www.ttmgo.org