Tools of the Trade: A Newcomer’s Guide To Skilled Trades Work In Canada

We’ve created this resource to be a comprehensive guide to moving to Canada to work in the Skilled Trades industry. We’ll cover immigrating, settling in Canada and finding work, including answers to frequently asked questions for tradespersons. 

Why Skilled Trade Workers Choose Canada

After all, there are warmer destinations to choose from, right? 

Well, first of all, Canada is a pretty special place. It has incredible access to nature, a high quality of life, it’s relatively safe, and it’s a four-season playground. Couple this with access to quality education and healthcare and Canada’s reputation for multiculturalism and diversity, and it’s easy to see why trade workers are choosing Canada.

Canada is also seeing extremely high demand for skilled trade workers. As outlined above, Canada’s federal government highlights the need for more than 250,000 new apprentice workers in Canada to meet demand. Meanwhile, Ontario’s government anticipates that 1 in 6 job openings will be in the skilled trades by 2026. 

“Given the chronic labour shortages in skilled trades over the last decade and the positive outlook for the construction sector, there continues to be huge opportunities for stable long-term employment in skilled trades from coast to coast. For anyone considering immigrating to work in Canada in the skills trades sector, Canada’s demand isn’t likely to go away. From the aging population, low number of Canadians entering skilled trades, and high demand for construction, in part due to the housing shortage and infrastructure deficit, there is an extremely strong, long-term demand for trades workers.” –  Ruairi Spillane, Managing Director at Outpost Recruitment

As a result, immigration pathways are generally accessible for skilled tradespeople, especially at the provincial level — more on that later. Further, Canada also offers relative job security and room for growth within skilled trades occupations. Competitive salaries are a cherry on top, too. 

Finally, Canada’s immigration pathways also offer options for family members of skilled trades workers to come to Canada too. And in contrast to some other popular destinations for tradespersons, accompanying family members of tradespeople moving to Canada enjoy access to public services such as education and healthcare.

Which Skilled Trades Are In Demand In Canada?

There is an extremely long list of skilled trades in demand in Canada. We have listed some here, but if you don’t see your trade listed, don’t worry. It doesn’t mean it’s not in demand or that you can’t come to Canada. This list is just a small cross-section of in-demand trades. 

Skilled Trades Workers Needed Canada-Wide

Here are some of the most in demand skilled trades across the whole of Canada, according to Canada’s federal government: 

• Cooks
• Electricians 
• Millwrights/Industrial mechanics
• Painters and decorators
• Welders.

Skilled Trades In Demand In Certain Provinces

These skilled trades are in strong demand in certain provinces: 

• Automotive service technician (Alberta, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, PEI, and Yukon)
• Carpenter (Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, PEI, Saskatchewan, and Yukon)
• Hairstylist (BC, Quebec)
• Heavy-Duty Equipment Technician (Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Quebec, and Yukon)
• Oil Heat System Technician (Nunavut)
• Plumber (Northwest Territories, PEI, and Quebec)
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic (Saskatchewan)
• Sheet Metal Worker (Saskatchewan)
• Steamfitter/Pipefitter (BC)
• Truck and Transport Mechanic (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Nunavut).

But, there are a host of other trades workers in demand in Canada. We see proof of this each month in the provincial immigration draw results. These provincial draws send out thousands of targeted invitations to skilled trades workers, inviting them to apply to become permanent residents in Canada. 

The Highest Paying Skilled Trades in Canada

These are some of the highest paying skilled trades occupations in Canada, based on the high wage listed in Canada’s Job Bank: 

• HVAC Mechanic: $49.52/hour
• Steamfitter and Pipefitter: $48.95/hour
• Electrician: $47.38/hour
• Millwright: $46.55/hour
• Plumber: $45/hour
• Welder: $42.50/hour.

Workplace Conditions for Skilled Trades Workers

In addition to competitive salaries, skilled trades workers may receive the following benefits from their employer in Canada: 

• Health benefits, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision care. This coverage may be extended to family members. 
• Overtime pay. 
• Pension plans or retirement contribution matching. 
• Paid leave. Depending on the province, you may be eligible for paid leave and/or sick leave. Some employers offer leave beyond statutory requirements, including maternity/paternity top ups, religious holiday leave, and personal leave.
• Professional development, including paying for additional training and/or compensating workers to receive additional training.  
• Tool and clothing allowances. 

Immigration Pathway Options for Skilled Trades Workers

Canada offers permanent and temporary immigration pathways for skilled trades workers at the federal level, such as through the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and at the provincial level. 

If you’re interested in learning more about permanent residence pathways and temporary residence pathways, including the pros and cons of each, read our earlier article about TR or PR in Canada. 

Permanent Residence Pathway: Federal Skilled Trades Program

Canada’s Federal Express Entry is an immigration application management system that it uses to rank and invite economic migrants. One of the three primary pathways available through this system is the Federal Skilled Trades Program. 

The program targets workers who have experience working in the following categories of Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) system: 

• Major Group 72: industrial, electrical, and construction trades,
• Major Group 73: maintenance and equipment operation trades,
• Major Group 82: supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture, and related production,
• Major Group 92: processing, manufacturing, and utilities supervisors and central control operators,
• Minor Group 632: chefs and cooks,
• Minor Group 633: butchers and bakers.

A full list of which occupations within these groups may be eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades Program is available here.

Applicants who wish to apply using this pathway are ranked based on the following criteria: work experience, age, job offer, language proficiency, and education. They will receive a number of points based on the above factors, which will then determine their position in the queue of Express Entry candidates. 

Due to the nature of skilled trades work, it is likely that many skilled trades workers may not qualify for an invitation in Canada’s Express Entry rounds of invitations unless they also qualify for a certain category-based round. Helpfully, there is a category for trade occupations, which requires workers to have at least 6 months of work experience within the past 3 years in one of the occupations listed in the table below. However, just 5% of Express Entry invitations are expected to be allocated to trades occupations in 2024 (or around 5,500 to 5,850 invitations). So, immigrating through Provincial Nominee Programs may be a more streamlined process.

Permanent Residence: Provincial Nominee Programs For Skilled Trades Workers

Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offer options for skilled trades workers looking to immigrate to Canada to work. In fact, Statistics Canada notes that 34% of individuals gaining permanent residence through Canada’s PNP are skilled or technical trades workers. And, the PNPs now edge out Express Entry as the primary economic pathway to Canada. So this pathway is a popular option for trades workers. 

There are two significant advantages to immigrating via Canada’s PNP:

• You may not need to meet the extremely high points requirements we’re seeing in this year’s Express Entry draws, or you will receive a 600 point boost for Express Entry. 
• You may have the opportunity to apply for a PNP stream dedicated to your specific trade. It’s likely that this will be a simpler process, since it’s designed for workers in your position.

Each province has its own program, and each program contains numerous streams — different ways to settle in a given province for different types of workers. The eligibility and application process is different for each province. So, the eligibility and application process will vary depending on the province you apply to. Generally speaking, you may need the following to apply: 

• To have a valid job offer from a local employer. 
• Meet specific work experience requirements. 
• Show language proficiency in English or French. 
• Show a connection to the province or territory you’re applying to. 

It is worth noting that some provinces attract higher numbers of skilled trades workers through their PNPs, namely Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Manitoba attracts a higher proportion of workers in NOC skill level C or D occupations. This means that immigrating to these provinces may be easier for trades workers (depending on your experience, education, language proficiency, and other individual factors). 

This is particularly important for those opting for the temporary resident to permanent residence two-step immigration process. It’s crucial to consider your longer-term immigration pathways when accepting your initial job offer on your temporary work permit.

Temporary Residence: Employer-Sponsored Immigration to Canada

Skilled trades workers can also apply to work in Canada through employer sponsorship. This typically required the employer to apply for and receive a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This serves as proof that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job in Canada. 

The typical process for employer-sponsored immigration to Canada is: 

1. Apply for and receive a job; 
2. If the employer hasn’t already obtained an LMIA they may apply at this point (some will apply pre-emptively); 
3. Once you have a job offer and positive LMIA from your employer, you can apply for a temporary closed work permit; 
4. After you’ve applied for and received your work permit and potentially your spousal open work permit, you can come to Canada and start work and your new life. 

Temporary Residence: International Experience Canada

Some trades workers may be able to come to Canada via the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. IEC is a series of temporary work permits that provide young people from select countries with the opportunity to work and travel in Canada, typically for 1-2 years. The most well-known program is the working holiday visa, but there are other streams including the Young Professionals and International Co-op permits.

You can track who is being invited to apply to these IEC categories in real time with the popular IEC news page, updated weekly.

Eligible trades workers can come to Canada, get licensed, and gain work experience on their IEC work permit. From there, it’s possible to apply for permanent residence via one of Canada’s PNPs or for Express Entry, if you meet eligibility criteria.

Accreditation and Licensing in Canada for Trades Workers

You may need to get re-accredited or licensed in Canada. These certifications are managed at the provincial or territorial level, which means that moving from one province to another may mean you need to get re-accredited. It also means that the process for licensing looks very different in each province or territory. 

Here are the steps we recommend for determining what the accreditation process looks like in Canada: 

Decide where you will live

This might seem simple if you’ve already been offered a job and you’re immigrating using an LMIA or other temporary work permit (such as the IEC program). However, it’s worthwhile looking into your immigration pathways options and career opportunities based on where you live and work long before you accept the position and start your life in Canada.

We recommend looking into: 

• Whether your trade is a regulated occupation in the province you plan to live and work in. To determine whether an occupation is a regulated occupation, review the National Occupation Classification occupation profile to see if it requires a certificate, licence or provincial registration; use the Foreign Credential Recognition in Canada Tool via Canada’s Job Bank; view occupational profiles on the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials website; or contact the regulatory body in the province you plan to live in. 
• The average salary of workers in your position compared to the cost of living. 
• Any provincial documents outlining expected demand for that occupation, such as the 2022-2032 BC Labour Market Outlook, Manitoba Labour Market Outlook, or Saskatchewan Detailed Occupational Outlook for 2022-2026.

It can be extremely helpful at this point to gather information about staying longer term. You might consider: 

• Speaking with other people working in your trade to learn how they immigrated permanently to Canada and what to expect during the process. (Note here that Canadian immigration is always in flux, so while others’ experiences or advice may be useful, it shouldn’t be the only insight you seek out, particularly if their immigration journey was not recent.)
• Finding a mentor working in your trade (consider using Canada Infonet’s free employment program to get matched with a mentor).
• Consulting with or hiring a registered immigration consultant or lawyer to learn about your pathway so you’re ready to meet your eligibility requirements. 

Regulated and Non-Regulated Trades in Canada

You will need to do individual research for your specific trade based on the province you plan to work in to determine whether it is regulated or non-regulated. This list outlines some generalities, but is not guaranteed to be accurate in every province or territory in Canada. It is also not a complete list. 

Generally, electricians, plumbers, automotive mechanics, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and other trades positions that tend to require an apprenticeship and training period are more likely to have formal regulation requirements. Regulated positions are also more likely to be considered NOC TEER 2 occupations, typically requiring a college diploma, apprenticeship training of 2 or more years, or supervisory occupations. 

Painters, general labourers, landscapers, drywall installers, and flooring installers may not be regulated at the provincial or territorial level. That being said, there may still be licencing or accreditation options. And getting licenced or accredited can open the door to better career growth opportunities and increased earnings. These positions are more likely to be NOC TEER 3, 4 or 5 occupations that typically don’t require higher education or training levels. 

Research The Licencing Body

This step applies if your trade is a regulated trade or if you are interested in licencing to increase your earning and career growth potential. 

Your ability to get licenced in Canada based on your out-of-country experience and training depends on a number of factors including: 

• Where your original licence is from. 
• Your level of work experience and on-the-job training. Generally, there will be a minimum number of hours requirement. 
• References available. 

Licencing Impacts Your Immigration Pathways

It’s important to note that your ability to get licenced in Canada may impact your ability to get a work permit based on an LMIA if you work in a regulated profession. 

IRCC requires that trades workers in regulated occupations must either already have the required licence or be able to obtain it within 4 months of landing in Canada. Four months can go by quite quickly, so it’s important that you contact the licencing body so you can meet the requirements within this timeframe. 

The ideal outcome is that you will receive a positive LMIA to work in a regulated position since this will typically come with higher earnings and an easier path to permanent residence in Canada.

However, there are options if you’ve contacted the licencing body and it is not realistic for you to meet the requirements to get licenced within four months. You can: 

1. Come to Canada to complete certain testing requirements in advance of receiving your work permit. (You may be able to complete training on a visitor visa for short programs.)
2. Have your employer apply for an LMIA for an unregulated occupation. You can then come to Canada and work as a general labourer or electrician’s assistant or similar while you work on getting licenced. This option often favours the employer, however, because you will be paid less for the work and you are not guaranteed the higher skilled (and higher paid) position after you arrive. If you later become licenced your employer will need to apply for a new LMIA for this position and you will then need to apply for a new work permit, or you will have to pursue another immigration pathway, if that’s an option. 

Streamlined Foreign Credential Recognition Coming For Construction Workers

Finally, some good news about licencing: The federal government has announced that $25 million will be dedicated to streamlining foreign credential recognition in the construction industry. 

Newcomers looking to work in construction occupations should expect changes that make it easier to come to Canada and start working in a professional setting with recognised foreign credentials in the near future. 

One Step Further: What’s a Red Seal Trade in Canada?

Canada’s Red Seal is an endorsement on your provincial or territorial trade certificate which allows you to practice your trade across Canada. The Red Seal achieves this by setting a standard of excellence for industry skills, which provinces and territories have agreed to accept. 

To receive your Red Seal endorsement, you must first meet the requirements of the apprenticeship and certification body in your province or territory (yes, they’re different again depending on where you work). Once you have, you will write an exam and, if you pass, you’ll receive the endorsement. Some call it ‘the last exam’ for trades workers. 

Consider Your Job Offer Against Your Future (Immigration) Plans

We mentioned this above, but it’s extremely important so it’s worth mentioning again: If you are coming to Canada on a temporary work permit (via a two-step immigration process), you should start planning your immigration pathway before you accept your job in Canada. 

The one major drawback of two-step immigration is that your future in Canada is not guaranteed. You are not automatically eligible for permanent residency in Canada just because you have worked here for a number of years on a temporary work permit. So it’s crucial that you map out your pathway early if you want to stay long term. 

Challenges we are currently seeing skilled trades workers face in their journey to permanent residence include: 

• There are high points requirements for Express Entry and many trades workers do not meet the CRS cut offs for general draws. 
• Immigration programs can change at any time with little notice. This is important for those pursuing two-step immigration. Their plans at the start may change in the process.
• It is not likely that there will be frequent skilled trades category-based draws, nor are we expecting to see very high numbers of invitations sent out in this category. 
• Trades workers who come to Canada to work in a lower skilled position while they get licenced may not have a clear pathway to permanent residence. 
• Some trades are in higher demand in some provinces or territories than others and the PNP pathways reflect this demand. Skilled trades workers may live and work in a province with lower demand for their trade and may not have a clear pathway as a result of lower demand. 

Support For Getting Certified in Canada

Our partner Canada InfoNet provides free support for trades workers who have been approved to immigrate to Canada in the next 2 to 12 months. The program is delivered entirely online over the course of 8 weeks. 

Newcomers can participate in an employment acceleration and mentorship program, after which Canada InfoNet can work with you to find employment in your field in any province. 

Here are the steps in Canada InfoNet’s free program: 

1. Prepare: Discuss your career path and job search plan with an employment specialist. 
2. Learn: Canada InfoNet has a range of free on-demand resources to build your skills for the Canadian job market, including webinars, a resume builder, and e-learning modules. 
3. Connect: Working with a mentor in Canada. You will be matched with someone in your industry to learn about career paths, employment culture, communication skills, and networking, among other things.

• Read Canada InfoNet’s article Exploring Skilled Trades in Canada. And, when you’re ready to prepare, learn, and connect with Canada InfoNet and its amazing network of staff and mentors, you can register here.

Finding Skilled Trades Work in Canada

Even with a skills shortage and strong demand in many trades in Canada, you will need to prepare and persevere to find skilled trades work in Canada. Services like those offered by Canada InfoNet can help, but there are plenty of steps you will need to take independently to find a job in Canada. 

If you want to find a job before you land in Canada, we recommend checking out our guide on the topic. It outlines the pros and cons of looking for a job before you move to Canada, and it outlines a host of actionable steps that can help you succeed in Canada’s job market from abroad. 

We have also published a guide for newcomers looking to work in Canada. This guide highlights that a successful job search in Canada begins with a professional resume tailored to Canadian standards. It also details what a strong cover letter and LinkedIn profile look like, as well as how networking can help and what the hidden job market is. 

Finally, a Moving2Canada account can help. We provide a range of free resources, including construction job opportunities from our sister site Outpost Recruitment, a Canadian resume template, and roadmaps for healthcare, finances, and immigration. Sign up for your free Moving2Canada account.