As a high school junior thinking about my future, I'm interested in trade jobs that have high demand in Ontario. Can anyone share insights on which trades are promising and what kind of training or certification is required?
In Ontario, there are several trade jobs currently in high demand due to labor shortages and increasing industry needs.
1. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Technician: This is one of the highest demanded trades in Ontario. These professionals operate, maintain, and repair heating and air conditioning systems. To become an HVAC technician, you'd need a high school diploma and a license from the Ontario College of Trades. An apprenticeship is also the usual route to becoming certified.
2. Electrician: This trade is always high in demand as it's crucial across various sectors like construction, manufacturing, and utilities. To be an electrician, you'll need to complete an apprenticeship program and pass a certification exam to receive your license from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA).
3. Plumber: Plumbers are highly sought after due to the constant need for water and sewage system repairs and installations. An apprenticeship and the passing of the Certificate of Qualification exam will earn you your license from the Ontario College of Trades.
4. Automotive Service Technician: This occupation is experiencing demand due to the growing number of vehicles on the road and the constant need for maintenance and repairs. Certification requires completion of an apprenticeship and a passing score on the Certificate of Qualification exam.
5. Welder: Welders are essential to the manufacturing and construction industries. Certification requires completion of a training program and passing the Canadian Welding Bureau's certification test.
6. Construction Craft Worker: The construction industry is booming in Ontario, and skilled workers are now more in demand than ever. Customary training involves a two-level program totaling 480-hour in-school training and a minimum 3000-hour on-the-job training.
Each trade has different requirements for licensing and certification, so it's important to do thorough research and consider what type of work would actually interest you the most. Remember, it's not just about following the demand; you'll want to find a trade that you can see yourself doing for years to come.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.