A Starter Guide for Exploring Skilled Trades!
This FREE guide highlights some of Ontario’s 144 skilled trades and how to access these exciting careers!
- Discover in-demand & emerging careers
- Packed with advice from professionals in skilled trades
- Includes worksheets for brainstorming your ideas
- Learn what to do while in high school
Trades are in high demand and offer endless opportunities for growth!
What did your skilled trades journey look like?
We spoke with pros in each sector to give you a look into their unique journeys.
CONSTRUCTION
Agyei Peprah-Asiase – President and General Contractor – Paradise Construction
Delaney Krieger, 2nd Year Carpenters Apprentice
David Simon – Apprentice Powerline Technician, Hydro One Ltd.
Sheldon Williams – Powerline Technician, Hydro One Ltd.
INDUSTRIAL
Bobbi Day – General Machinist
Marnie Atuka – Moldmaker Apprentice, Laval Tool
MOTIVE POWER
Christel Nelson – Licensed Automotive Service Technician, Finch Hyundai
Samridhi Sharma, Automotive Service Technician & 2nd Year Truck & Coach Apprentice
SERVICE
Darren Jansen – Hair Stylist and Entrepreneur, Nice People
Andrea Biado – Barber and Entrepreneur, Bloc East
Noan Agtarap – Chef
Where can trades take you?
What steps happen along your learning path and what happens after an apprenticeship ends? There’s not a single answer to this as your trades journey can go in many directions and your eventual journeyperson status can lead to an endless list of possibilities! We spoke to tradespeople about where they started and where their certification has taken them:
- Tool & Die Maker to Executive Director: Robert Cattle, Canadian Tooling & Machining Association (CTMA)
- Millwright Pre-Apprenticeship to Trade School Teaching Assistant: Rebecca Chenier, Centreline
- Automotive Service Tech to Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program Coordinator: Mark Brotherston, Thames Valley District School Board
#HerPower Tools Program
In partnership with WFS Ltd. and Milwaukee Tool, the #HerPower Tools program is designed to encourage young women to pursue a youth apprenticeship or post-secondary skilled trades program or apprenticeship. Students can apply for the chance to win one of 100 tool bags filled with job essentials (a $150 value!).