What Is a Skilled Trade?
A skilled trade is a hands-on, practical occupation that requires specialized training to perform technical work—often in construction, manufacturing, maintenance, or services. Unlike traditional academic pathways, trades focus on building real-world skills that are directly applied in the field, often through apprenticeships, technical programs, or on-the-job training.
Skilled trades in Canada are generally categorized as follows:
- Regulated trades (e.g. electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians): These require provincial certification and often Red Seal endorsement for interprovincial mobility.
- Unregulated trades (e.g. machinists, toolmakers, machine fitters): These may not require licensing but still demand in-depth expertise, safety awareness, and technical ability.
As demand grows in areas like infrastructure, renewable energy, smart manufacturing, and essential services, trade jobs in Canada offer long-term employment, excellent wages, and a clear career trajectory—often with less debt and a faster return on training compared to university degrees.
Whether you’re just starting out or seeking a transition from another career path, a skilled trade offers a viable, high-impact future.
Types of Skilled Trades in Canada
There are more than 300 designated trades across Canada, and many fall into key categories with strong employer demand. Here are the primary skilled trades sectors and examples of each:
Construction Trades
Construction is one of the largest employers of tradespeople in Canada. These jobs focus on new construction, renovations, infrastructure upgrades, and systems installations.
Examples include:
- Electricians – wiring and electrical systems for homes, businesses, and industrial sites
- Plumbers – install and repair piping systems for water, gas, and drainage
- HVAC Technicians – maintain heating, ventilation, and cooling systems
- Carpenters – build and repair structural and decorative woodwork
Most of these roles are eligible for Red Seal certification, which allows you to work across provinces.
Manufacturing & Industrial Trades
These roles are critical to maintaining efficient, high-output manufacturing environments. Many require advanced technical skills, blueprint reading, and knowledge of automation.
Examples include:
- Millwrights – install and repair industrial machinery
- Tool and Die Makers – create precision tools used in manufacturing
- CNC Machinists – operate computer-controlled machines
- Panel Builders – wire and assemble electrical control panels
These are often in high demand within Ontario’s automotive, food, and aerospace sectors.
Transportation Trades
Transportation-related trades ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and goods, ensuring smooth operations across logistics, shipping, and mobility systems.
Examples include:
- Heavy Equipment Technicians – maintain construction and agricultural equipment
- Truck and Coach Technicians – service heavy-duty trucks and trailers
- Automotive Service Technicians – inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks
These jobs are highly regulated and may involve manufacturer-specific training programs.
Service Trades
These involve providing direct services to the public and are common in both rural and urban areas.
Examples include:
- Hairstylists – licensed professionals trained in cosmetology
- Horticulturists – care for plants and manage landscapes
- Locksmiths – install and repair locking systems
- Chefs – manage food preparation and kitchen operations
While some service trades are regulated, others rely on portfolio-based hiring and demonstrated experience.
Supervisory and Leadership Roles
Many experienced tradespeople eventually move into leadership roles that blend technical knowledge with management skills.
Examples include:
- Production Managers
- Site Supervisors
- Maintenance Leads
- Warehouse Managers
These positions offer higher pay and long-term career development but typically require years of field experience.
Is a Skilled Trade Right for You?
Skilled trades are ideal for individuals who enjoy practical, problem-solving work and take pride in building or fixing things. It’s also an excellent choice for those who want to earn while they learn and avoid large student debt.
Traits of Successful Tradespeople
- Strong hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills
- Good math and mechanical reasoning
- Patience and attention to detail
- Comfort working with tools and heavy equipment
- Commitment to safety and compliance
- Flexibility to work in varying environments, indoors or outdoors
Many people transition into skilled trades after working in unrelated sectors like retail, warehousing, or hospitality. With apprenticeship programs available across the country, it’s never too late to pursue a skilled trade career.
Skilled Trade Jobs We Recruit For
At Winters Technical Staffing, we specialize in connecting qualified tradespeople with employers hiring across the construction, industrial, and manufacturing sectors.
Explore the skilled trades jobs we place:
Electrician
Install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, offices, and factories. Responsibilities often include troubleshooting, system installation, and blueprint interpretation. Red Seal designation is common in this trade.
Machine Fitter
Assemble large-scale industrial machinery in factories. Requires mechanical knowledge, alignment precision, and the ability to read complex schematics and follow installation instructions.
Machinist
Set up and operate tools like lathes, grinders, and milling machines to create precision parts. Often used in manufacturing automotive, aerospace, and custom components.
Millwright
Diagnose and repair mechanical issues on heavy equipment and production lines. This is a high-demand trade across Ontario, especially in Mississauga and surrounding areas.
Panel Builder
Construct custom electrical panels based on engineering diagrams. Involves wire cutting, layout design, component placement, and testing to ensure proper electrical function.
Pipe Fitter
Fabricate and install piping for water, steam, or gas systems. Requires welding knowledge, blueprint reading, and safety compliance for high-pressure systems.
Toolmaker
Design and construct specialty tools and dies used in assembly lines or CNC operations. Essential for manufacturers needing high-precision components.
Welder/Welder Fitter
Fuse metal parts using various welding techniques (MIG, TIG, arc). May work in custom fabrication, shipbuilding, or heavy construction. There is especially strong demand for welding jobs in Mississauga and the Greater Toronto Area.
How to Get Hired in a Skilled Trade
Whether you’re brand new to the trades or looking to level up, here’s how to get started:
- Earn your high school diploma or GED – a basic requirement for most apprenticeship programs.
- Apply to an apprenticeship program – often through a college, union, or employer partner.
- Gain on-the-job training – apprenticeships typically last 2-5 years, depending on the trade.
- Complete a provincial certification exam such as the Red Seal, if your trade is regulated.
- Work with a skilled trade employment agency like Winters to access exclusive job opportunities.
Not sure how to get started? Our team can walk you through how to get a trade job in Canada, from resume tips to trade selection.
Apprenticeship Jobs and Training Programs
Apprenticeships are a powerful way to learn a trade while earning a wage. These programs combine classroom-based instruction with on-the-job training under the supervision of certified professionals.
In Ontario, apprenticeship programs are overseen by Skilled Trades Ontario (formerly the Ontario College of Trades). Common trades that offer apprenticeships include:
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- HVAC technicians
- Welders
- Industrial mechanics (millwrights)
Winters helps apprenticeship job seekers in Canada by connecting them with employers who are registered to take on apprentices and offer mentorship opportunities. We also support candidates with paperwork, onboarding, and continuous training guidance.
Where We Hire: Toronto, Mississauga, Markham & Beyond
Winters Technical Staffing places skilled trade professionals in key employment regions across Canada:
- Toronto – A major hub for infrastructure projects, commercial retrofits, and specialty trades like electrician jobs in Toronto.
- Mississauga – Manufacturing and production centre with openings in welding, millwrighting, and carpenter jobs in Mississauga.
- Markham – Growth in residential and commercial construction means increased construction jobs in Markham.
- Across Canada – We also place candidates in remote and rural skilled trades jobs across Alberta, British Columbia, and other provinces.
Whether you’re local or relocating, we offer virtual interviews and ongoing support throughout your hiring process.
Why Use a Skilled Trade Staffing Agency?
Working with a skilled trade staffing agency like Winters can give you an edge—especially if you’re looking for faster placement, industry guidance, or a better career match.
Here’s why skilled workers trust us:
- Faster access to employers with unadvertised job openings
- Resume-building assistance tailored to the trades
- Job/apprenticeship matching based on your skill set and goals
- Contract, temp, and permanent positions across major trades
- Trusted recruiters who understand Red Seal pathways, industry certifications, and union/non-union environments
As one of Canada’s leading trade recruitment agencies, we’re focused on long-term relationships and meaningful placements—not just quick hires.
Start Your Skilled Trade Career Today
Whether you’re starting out, reskilling, or looking for your next challenge, Winters Technical Staffing is here to help.
Submit your resume now or contact us to speak directly with a skilled trade recruiter today.
