Explore Skilled Trades

An aboriginal child development practitioner plans and supervises activities for young children to encourage them in intellectual, physical, and emotional growth. They create activities that help children learn about local…

A fruit grower is responsible for the planting, cultivating, propagating, spraying, irrigating, transplanting, pruning, and harvesting of all types of fruit. They may also operate farm equipment to complete these…

Agricultural equipment technicians specialize in repairing and maintaining farm machinery such as tractors, combines, balers, seeders, and mowers. Agricultural equipment varies, so this trade can overlap with welding, refrigeration, auto…

Alignment and brakes technicians make sure vehicles stop, start, and turn safely. They diagnose and correct problems in wheels, steering mechanisms, electronic controls, and brake systems in cars and trucks….

Appliance service technicians repair and maintain washers, dryers, stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, microwave ovens, room air conditioners, vacuum systems, and other appliances. They consult with customers about problems, test appliances, service…

Arborists take care of trees by pruning limbs, spraying pesticides, and diagnosing pests and disease. Their other tasks include irrigation, planting, and soil preparation. They sometimes use dangerous equipment, such…

Architectural glass and metal technicians can fill a room with a view. They cut, fit, and install glass in wooden and metal frames. They may work with glass doors, windows,…

Assistant cooks can prepare complete breakfasts, short-order grills, sandwiches, salads, desserts, vegetables, and non-alcoholic beverages. They can also carve meat, poultry, fish, and game. Cooks are trained in food safety,…

Auto body and collision damage repairers combine technical skills with customer service. They review damages and provide customers with estimates. They also perform many of the repairs and replacements themselves,…

Auto body repairers keep vehicles looking great and on the road. They repair and restore damaged body parts and interior finishing. This work includes hammering out dents, filling in holes…

Automotive electronic accessory technicians specialize in the electrical and electronic components of cars, buses, and trucks, including stereo and air conditioning systems. Their tasks include inspecting, diagnosing, repairing and servicing…

Automotive glass technicians repair and service all types of glass in motor vehicles and associated equipment. Automotive glass, especially the windshield, is specially designed not to shatter or break into…

Automotive painters restore the painted surfaces of motor vehicles that have been damaged by accidents, rust, or simple wear and tear. This work involves sanding, spot fills, priming, finishing, and…

Automotive service technicians maintain and repair automobiles and light trucks. The mechanical and electrical systems they work with include the engine, steering, tires, brakes, fuel, suspension, transmission, electrical, climate control,…

Bakers produce foods ranging from bread and cakes to pies and pastries. This trade requires artistic ability, physical labour, and the ability to operate industrial machinery. Senior bakers organize production…

Baker-patissiers bring beauty to baked goods. They bake and decorate cakes, pastries, and confectionery. They also work with icings, fillings, and creams. Patissiers’ work can include arranging store displays, keeping…

Bearings mechanics maintain industrial machine components. They disassemble, inspect, repair, replace, and clean bearings, seals, and shocks. They also set up and operate lathes, drills, grinders, saws, and hydraulic presses.

Brick and stone masons construct and repair structures. They may work on walls, arches, paving, floors, fireplaces, chimneys, and smokestacks. Masons can specialize in high-temperature materials, such as fire brick,…

Cabinetmakers work with wood and other materials to make furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, and decorative items. They use traditional hand tools such as chisels and mallets, as well as modern…

Cement (concrete) finishers use concrete to make floors, walls, ceilings, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and other concrete constructions. They may use trowels, floats, and other hand tools, or use machinery such…

Chefs are responsible for the preparation and presentation of food in restaurants, hotels, and other businesses. They are more highly trained than regular cooks and their duties include not just…

Child and youth workers help young people with various challenges. They help children and youth who have learning, social, emotional, or behavioural issues. They can work in residential, institutional, or…

Child development practitioners plan activities for preschool and school-age children that stimulate their intellectual, physical, and emotional growth. They may care for infants and toddlers or develop and supervise daily…

Composite structures technicians build, repair, and replace aircraft structural components. This includes fabricating panels, repairing sheet metal, and removing damaged metal structures. They bond metal structures together and finish them….

Computer numerical control (CNC) programmers work in machine shops for motor vehicle parts manufacturers, machinery and equipment manufacturers, and primary steel producers. They program the CNC machinery that is used…

A concrete pump transfers liquid concrete around construction sites. The operator is responsible for driving the concrete pumps to the site and setting up the pumps, as well as working…

Construction boilermakers assemble and repair mammoth boilers, blast furnaces, pressure vessels, and power generating storage tanks. The size of these tanks means that they often work at great heights. Construction…

Construction craft workers prepare, excavate, backfill, compact, and clean up a work site. They also handle construction materials and ship and receive parts.

Construction millwrights keep industrial machinery running smoothly. They dismantle, move, install, adjust, and maintain power shafting, pulleys, conveyors, and hoists. Millwrights often work from plans and blueprints. They must make…

Learn skills that will allow you to prepare any type of food.

Developmental services workers provide care and support to children and adults with disabilities. They may help their clients develop life skills such as housekeeping, social interaction, job preparation, and personal…

A die designer is a highly skilled craftsperson who creates dies for stamping, forming, or forging presses. Tool and die makers use equipment such as lathes, drill presses, and milling…

Mechanical draftspeople draw plans for industrial machines, machine parts, engines, tools, and other mechanical equipment. They develop and prepare engineering drawings from preliminary concepts, sketches, calculations, specification sheets, and other…

Plastic mould design draftspeople draw plans for templates and patterns, plastic moulds, and tooling for mould-making and modifications. They develop and prepare engineering drawings from preliminary concepts, sketches, calculations, specification…

Tool and die design draftspeople draw plans for templates, patterns, and components for tooling, dies, and other equipment. They develop and prepare engineering drawings from preliminary concepts, sketches, calculations, specification…

Drywall acoustic and lathing applicators help shape the inside of a building. The materials they use include exterior metal framing and sheeting, moulding, furring, and lathing products, wall and ceiling…

Drywall finisher and plasterers install exterior metal framing and sheeting, mouldings, furring, and lathing products, and thermal, fire, sound, and vapour barrier insulation and sealants. They also install moulded and…

Electric motor system technicians work on electric motors, generators, transformers, controllers, and other electric equipment used in commercial, industrial, and institutional establishments. They test and disassemble the equipment, repair or…

Electrical control (machine) builders build the electrical portions of machine tools. They install electrical devices and enclose them in protective tubing. They must work from electrical schematics before preparing and…

Construction and maintenance electricians install, repair, test, and service electrical and electronic systems. They ensure that all electrical connections are safe and meet the electrical code. These electricians work on…

Domestic and rural electricians install, repair, test, and service electrical and electronic systems in residential and commercial buildings. They ensure that all electrical connections are safe and meet the electrical…

Electronic service technicians work with radio, radar and telecommunications, telemetering, data processing equipment, sound-reproducing equipment, ultrasonic, and computerized equipment. They install, maintain, modify, inspect, test, and repair these systems. They…

Elevating devices mechanics inspect, install, service, maintain, repair, and modernize elevating devices. They can work on new construction and installation projects, as well as service and maintain existing elevators and…

Entertainment industry power technicians make sure big events have the proper sound and lighting. They organize, install, and supervise temporary power distribution systems for use in the entertainment industry. Their…

Exterior insulated finish systems (EIFS) mechanics, also known as stucco workers, install building systems that combine a resinous exterior cladding with a continuous layer of insulation on a building’s walls….

Facilities mechanics keep buildings safe and comfortable. This includes inspecting and maintaining fire safety equipment, building envelope, electrical, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing, and water treatment systems. They also perform…

Facilities technicians monitor the safety and comfort of buildings. They operate, diagnose, and maintain air conditioning, ventilation, chiller and refrigeration, water treatment, heating, pumping, low-pressure, boiler, and control systems. Some…

Floor covering installers install, repair, and service carpets, rugs, and other materials such as linoleum, vinyl, plastic, rubber, wood, cork, and seamless plastic. An installer first inspects, measures, and cleans…

Fuel and electrical systems technicians keep engines tuned up. They repair and adjust fuel systems on motor vehicles. They also install and maintain electrical equipment and air-conditioning systems.

Gemsetters and goldsmiths create and repair precious and semi-precious jewellery and gemstone work. This can include testing, rolling, drawing, and forming metals. They also design and set gems.

Carpenters assemble and erect wood and metal frame construction, as well as falsework and forms for concrete. They may also install interior and exterior finishing metals. Other skills include layout,…

Machinists set up and operate machine tools like lathes, milling machines, precision measuring tools, and power tools. They learn how to interpret blueprints, understand the properties of metal, and make…

Hairstylists offer their clients shampooing, conditioning, cutting, styling, and setting services. They may also do chemical treatments on hair such as colouring and perming. Hairstylists are usually very social and…

Hardware, lumber, and building materials retailers are knowledgeable about their products and help customers choose the best materials for their building projects. They may check materials to make sure they…

Hazardous materials workers identify and safely remove any dangerous materials from a site. These materials sometimes include asbestos, radioactive and nuclear waste, arsenic, lead, mercury, or other dangerous substances. Workers…

Heat and frost insulators prevent or reduce the transmission of heat, cold, sound, and fire in buildings. They apply insulating materials to plumbing, heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems, piping equipment,…

Heavy duty equipment technicians work with a variety of heavy duty equipment and vehicles, including cranes, graders, tractors, paving equipment, off-road haulers, and earthmovers. They must be able to identify…

Heavy equipment operators who work with dozers install attachments, perform inspections and general preventative maintenance on equipment, and transport, load, and unload equipment. Dozer operators must sometimes read and interpret…

Heavy equipment operators who work with excavators install attachments, perform inspections and general preventative maintenance on equipment, and transport, load, and unload equipment. Excavator operators must sometimes read and interpret…

Heavy equipment operators who work with tractor loader backhoes install attachments, perform inspections and general preventative maintenance on equipment, and transport, load, and unload equipment. These operators must sometimes read…

Horse grooms care for horses. This includes handling, controlling, grooming, tacking, feeding, and maintaining horses’ health. They also clean and maintain stalls, tools, equipment, and stable facilities.

Horticultural technicians may grow and sell crops and related materials in nurseries and greenhouses. They also landscape, operate greenhouses, nurseries, and garden centres, and move trees. Their knowledge includes irrigation…

Hydraulic / pneumatic mechanics repair, maintain, and adjust hydraulic units such as hoists, rams, jacks, lifting units, and pumps. These mechanics can work outdoors, in repair shops, in plants, and…

Industrial electricians plan, assemble, install, repair, and maintain electrical equipment used in commercial and industrial buildings. They work with large electrical motors and massive power supplies, and they must check…

Industrial mechanic millwrights keep industrial machinery running smoothly. They dismantle, move, install, adjust, and maintain power shafting, pulleys, conveyors, and hoists. Millwrights often work from plans and blueprints. They must…

Information Technology (IT) customer service agents provide customer service over the telephone or email for activities ranging from sales to technical troubleshooting. Agents access the information provided to aid customers…

Information Technology (IT) contact centre sales agents effectively use sales techniques and customer service skills to maintain the sales environment at a contact centre. Agents prepare and complete required documentation,…

Information Technology (IT) contact centre technical support agents answer technical questions from clients. They set up help desks, which support clients in their use of a wide variety of software…

Information Technology (IT) hardware technicians help computer users set up programs and use computer applications and operating systems software. They also install operating systems and application software.

Information Technology (IT) network technicians help computer users network. They help people use computer applications and operating systems software. They also install, configure, and maintain client workstations and network servers…

Institutional cooks prepare large quantities of high-quality food by following a budget. They may work in institutions such as retirement homes, hospitals, schools, and correctional facilities. Depending on where these…

Instrumentation and control technicians install, maintain, program, test, and repair the instruments that monitor and control processes. For example, they may observe the indicators that monitor temperature and chemical reactions…

Ironworkers reinforce buildings, highways, bridges, and other large structures with steel supports. They also reinforce concrete with metal bars or wire material for construction. Some ironworkers do fabrication work in…

Structural and ornamental ironworkers make and install metalwork such as curtain walls, iron gates and doors, stairways, and railings in buildings. Ironworkers must be able to read instructions and construction…

Light rail overhead contact systems linepeople build and maintain lighting systems, electrical track switch systems, contact conduct systems, and aerial feeder systems. These linespeople test and repair conductors, switches, transducers,…

Machine tool builder and integrators work with automated machine-tool systems that are used in all sectors of manufacturing. They build and integrate parts, components, and systems for both stand-alone machine…

Marine engine technicians repair small boats. They are skilled at repairing, replacing, and maintaining outboard motors, stern drives, marine equipment, and motors for recreational vehicle pumps and generators. They must…

Metal fabricators or fitters cut, shape, and assemble steel. Their products can be used in buildings, bridges, tanks, boilers, and pressure vessels. Metal fabricators make patterns and templates to ensure…

Micro electronics manufacturers use big machines to make tiny components. They operate and monitor the machinery that produces micro-electronic products, so they should be comfortable operating robotics and automation equipment.

Motive power machinists operate precision metal cutting and grinding machines to make engine parts and other automotive vehicle parts. They may use lathes, milling machines, drills, shapers, boring mills, and…

Motorcycle technicians diagnose, repair, overhaul, and replace the mechanical and electrical parts of motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Their work involves adjusting, repairing, or replacing these parts using hand tools…

Mould designers plan out the moulds that are used to shape plastic and other materials. They decide which type of mould should be used for a process, and then design…

Fabricate moulds by hand or machine. Finish the mould surfaces, fit together mould blocks.

Mould or die finishers use a variety of power and hand tools to shape, smooth, finish, and polish moulds or metal working dies. They use math skills to calculate and…

Native clothing and crafts artisans keep traditional themes alive in their artwork, which can be demonstrated in many forms. Some of their skills may include mukluk and moccasin making, quill…

The Native Residential Construction Worker apprenticeship program has been designed to train First Nations workers in all aspects of home construction, including carpentry, electrical, and plumbing. Upon completion of the…

Packaging machine mechanics repair, maintain, and monitor packaging line equipment so that products get sent out on time. They read instructions for the product, install the proper equipment for the…

Commercial and residential painters and decorators make buildings beautiful. They apply wall coverings, paint, and other finishes to the interior and exterior surfaces of buildings. They also assemble scaffolds to…

Industrial painters work on industrial structures like factories, bridges, and storage tanks. They prepare surfaces before painting. They also assemble scaffolds, cradles, ladders, and other structures to reach high or…

Parts technicians move automotive, commercial transport, heavy duty, or marine goods from manufacturers to consumers. Their responsibilities include the ordering, warehousing, inventory control, and sales of parts. Some technicians work…

Pattern makers create plans for assembling full-scale industrial products in factories for shipbuilding, automotive manufacturers, and parts manufacturers. They divide patterns into sections, mark materials for machining, form parts, and…

Plumbers install, alter, and repair residential or industrial plumbing systems. They measure, cut, shape, and join pipes according to project specifications. They must also prevent and repair leaks. Plumbers work…

Pool, hot tub and spa installers use power hand tools and other equipment to install the pool walls, liners, bottom finish and re-circulating systems in pools and hot tubs. They…

Pool, hot tub and spa service technicians repair and maintain the heating, circulating, filtering and electrical systems in pools and hot tubs. They must be able to read work orders…

Powered lift truck technicians maintain powered lift trucks, stackers, carriers, and other power equipment. This work includes diagnosing, repairing, modifying, assembling, and disassembling vehicle parts. They work on safety, drive,…

Powerline technicians install, maintain, inspect, and repair electrical distribution and transmission systems. Some power systems are overhead (poles, towers, and overhead wires), while others are underground or underwater. Powerline technicians…

Precast concrete erectors guide hoisting engineers and crane operators in aligning concrete panels and slabs into place when constructing a new building. They are skilled at reading architectural drawings and…

Precast concrete finishers complete construction projects by using hand or power tools to level and refine the surfaces of poured concrete floors, sidewalks, curbs, and other structures. They may use…

Precision metal fabricators cut and shape metal. Their work includes interpreting blueprints, joining metal parts, and ensuring product quality. They operate various metal forming, shaping, and cutting machines. They can…

Pressure systems welders use shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding and flux cored arc welding processes to weld metal plates, tubes, and other structures…

Food manufacturing process operators control and supervise process operations in factories. They must be skilled at writing production and safety reports, disposing of hazardous materials, monitoring control panels, and maintaining…

Power process operators monitor and run processing equipment, using hand tools and measuring devices to maintain temperature and pressure levels in the power plant. They must know how to dispose…

Power process operators for refinery, chemical and liquid processes monitor valves, pumps, and other equipment to make sure the factory is efficient and productive. They must know how to gauge…

Wood products processing operators monitor and maintain the equipment in wood products and pulp and paper plants. They must be skilled at operating processes from a central control room, controlling…

Pump systems installers work with different types of outdoor pipes and pump systems. This work includes repairs, maintenance, and adjustments. They must be skilled at reading blueprints and diagrams, using…

Railway car technicians keep trains chugging along. They repair and rebuild mechanical, structural, electrical, and hydraulic components of railway passenger and freight cars. They are also responsible for the interiors…

Refractory masons protect structures from high heat by installing special refractory bricks, castables, blankets, plastics, or ceramic coatings to furnaces and kilns. They must be skilled at laying refractory bricks,…

Refrigeration and air conditioning systems mechanics install, maintain, and repair residential, commercial, and industrial central air conditioning systems. They cut piping and use welding and brazing equipment to connect pipes….

Reinforcing rodworkers reinforce concrete with metal bars or wire material for construction. This concrete is used in buildings, apartments, highways, bridges, and other large structures. Rodworkers must be skilled at…

Relay and instrumentation technicians monitor, test, and adjust Vital Signal Control Relays (VSCR) in transit systems. They must be skilled at CNC programming, interpreting and diagnosing code and power systems,…

Residential (low rise) sheet metal installers have similar duties to sheet metal workers, but they work specifically in air handling or ventilation systems in low-rise residential buildings. The buildings these…

Residential air conditioning systems mechanics maintain and repair residential air conditioning systems. They cut piping and use welding and brazing equipment to connect pipes. They also recharge cooling systems with…

Restoration masons are stone specialists. They prepare mortars, cut out and fill joints, reset copings, and clean stone surfaces. They can drill, grout, and pin fractured stones. They work with…

Roll grinders and turners heat metal and roll it through machines to flatten it to a specific thickness for customers like automotive manufacturers. They must be skilled at grinding, turning,…

Roofers keep raindrops from falling on our heads. They install, repair, and replace roofing systems. They perform damp, water, and weather proofing. They also install and maintain slate, tile, shingles,…

Sheet metal workers cut, shape, and assemble sheet metal. Their work ranges from furnace and duct systems in homes, to oven and drying systems in auto plants, to heating and…

Ski lift mechanics make sure that all the mechanical equipment on the ski slopes is safe and efficient. They must be skilled at keeping equipment up to safety standards, inspecting…

Small engine technicians maintain the systems and components on chainsaws, lawnmowers, garden tractors, snow blowers, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and small motorcycles. They must be skilled at interpreting manufacturers’ service manuals…

Special events coordinators make sure meetings, conferences, conventions, weddings, fundraisers, festivals, and trade shows go off without a hitch. They must be skilled at communicating with clients, organizing the shipping…

Sprinkler and fire protection installers work with high-pressure and low-pressure pipeline systems carrying water, foam, gas, or air. Their work includes installing, repairing, maintaining, and testing sprinkler systems. They can…

Steamfitters work on heating or cooling pipe systems or process systems. They also work on industrial systems that convey gases, employ pneumatic tubing, involve air handling, and form the infrastructure…

Surface blasters handle, store, and transport explosives at a variety of construction sites. They hook up and fire explosives, plan blast patterns, handle misfires, dispose of unwanted explosives, supervise blasting…

Surface mount assemblers put together the tiny gizmos that make our gadgets work. This involves soldering, bonding, and assembling various electronic components. They can work on transistors, diodes, capacitors, integrated…

Terrazzo, tile, and marble setters cover floors and other surfaces with ceramic tiles, marble, mosaic tile, or other materials. They must be skilled at measuring and marking the space, mixing…

Thin film technicians specialize in applying very thin optical coatings for wavelength filters, anti-reflection coatings, special mirrors, and polarizing elements.

Tire, wheel and rim mechanics assess, fix, or replace damaged vehicle parts so that their customers can drive around safely. They must be skilled at listening to their customers, hoisting…

Tool or tooling makers repair the specialized equipment used in manufacturing to build industrial and consumer products. They must be skilled at reading engineering drawings and specifications, setting up machine…

Tool and cutter grinders shape and sharpen precision cutting tools to be used in manufacturing. They must be skilled at reading work orders and blueprints, setting machines to cut to…

Tool and die makers use lathes, drill presses, and milling machines to produce precision metal parts (tools, dies, and moulds) for manufacturing. They must be skilled at reading blueprints, setting…

Tool and gauge inspectors maintain quality control standards in machine parts and tooling through testing and adjusting the equipment. They must be skilled at reading blueprints and charts, using algebra…

Tractor-trailer commercial drivers operate gasoline or diesel-powered trucks, tractor-trailers, and similar vehicles to transport goods and materials over local routes or long distances. They must be skilled at mapping out…

Transmission technicians specialize in the maintenance and repair of automatic transmissions. They must be skilled at examining a vehicle and estimating the repair costs, using computerized diagnostic equipment, taking apart…

Truck and coach technicians overhaul, repair, and rebuild trucks, tractor-trailers, buses, coaches, and other road transport equipment. They may work on the fuel, brake, steering and suspension systems; transmission, emission…

Truck-trailer service technicians rebuild, overhaul, and recondition commercial truck trailers. They repair and replace sheet metal and frames, diagnose and service suspension and braking systems, heating and refrigeration units, electrical…

Turf equipment technicians help keep lawns neat by repairing and maintaining lawn mowers, golf carts, traction units, small powered equipment, and tow-behind equipment. They must be skilled at sharpening blades,…

Water well drillers construct and maintain water wells. This work also includes locating water sources, protecting ground water, maintaining drilling equipment, disinfecting completed wells, and installing or servicing pumps. It…

Welders join and sever metals. They make metal parts used in construction, in manufacturing, for tools, and for equipment. There are many different types of welding, including arc, gas, and…