Welder jobs in Canada offer great salaries, opportunities to grow, and high job satisfaction. Welders are in high demand, making this an appealing option for newcomers looking to start or continue a welding career in Canada. Welding is one of the few careers that allow you to earn a high salary without attending university. The minimum job requirement is the completion of secondary school.
Why Are Welder Jobs in Demand?
Since Canada has a huge manufacturing industry, welders are always in demand. This is because of how important they are to the manufacturing process. The average age of welders in Canada is 55, and many welders are beginning to retire. This means that the demand for welders will only increase.
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Furthermore, Canadian high schools traditionally haven’t emphasized skilled trades jobs such as welding. Because of this, Canada struggles to fill jobs with younger tradespeople. Canada expects a shortage of welders from 2022 – 2031 with 17,700 new job openings. These labour conditions create great job opportunities for newcomers to Canada.
How Much Do Welders Earn in Canada?
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According to the Canada Job Bank, the median pay for welders in Canada is $28.00/hour (based on the most recent 2021 – 2022 wage data from Statistics Canada) or an annual salary of $58,240. Based on the national statistics, a welder can expect to make a low of $20/hour ($41,600/year) to a high of $42.40/hour ($88,400) based on previous experience.
Various factors determine how much welders make including:
Region and city where you work
Level of experience.
Some welders are self-employed or take on small welder jobs on the side. This can also increase their income, sometimes even into the 6-figures range.
Welders working in large cities can earn a higher salary because of the high demand. However, you can also expect to pay a high cost of living in Canada’s larger cities. It’s important to consider how much you can earn and how much you will pay for essential housing costs.
Now, let’s explore some cities that offer the best opportunities for welders to start their careers in Canada.
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Windsor, Ontario
Located less than 400 km south of Toronto, Windsor is Canada’s southernmost city. The city is commonly regarded as the automotive capital of Canada. Detroit, USA, which is right across the border from Windsor, is the automotive capital of North America. As a result, the economy of Windsor is based chiefly on manufacturing car parts. This, of course, is great for welders because the car manufacturing process requires a lot of welding. It is safe to say that the Windsor-Essex region is a great place for welders to start their careers in Canada.
How Much Do Welder Jobs Pay in Windsor?
The median hourly rate for welder jobs in the Windsor-Sarnia region is $23 per hour. This roughly amounts to $47,840/year based on a 40-hour work week. Salaries can vary from a low of $17.00/hour ($35,360/year) to a high of $37.79/hour ($78,603/year).
Edmonton, Alberta
Edmonton is often called the “Oil Capital of Canada”, and for good reason. Oil and gas have been one of the main driving factors that lead to Edmonton’s economic success. Today, Edmonton’s industrial sector is known for manufacturing machinery used in the oil and gas, agriculture, and construction industries. Unsurprisingly, all of these industries have a high demand for welders. Like the rest of Canada, many current welders in the workforce expect to retire soon. That will open up many opportunities for newcomers to start a welding career in Edmonton.
How Much Do Welder Jobs Pay in Edmonton?
Welder Jobs in Edmonton pay a median hourly rate of $37/hour ($76,960/year). Welders on the lower end can expect to make $25.00/hour ($52,000/year) while more experienced welders can make up to $45.00/hour ($93.600/year).
Edmonton has one of the highest concentrations of rig welders. Rig welders are the highest-paid welders because of how important their jobs are. If you can find a job as a rig welder anywhere in Canada, your salary will be considerably higher.
Watch Now: Interested in working in Skilled Trades in Canada? Find out how the BCCA-Integrating Newcomers program can help you.
Overlooking Lake Ontario, Hamilton has so much more to offer than just job opportunities for welders. Aside from its iron and steel industry, Hamilton also houses breathtaking, scenic beauty. In the past few decades, Hamilton has become one of Canada’s leading industrial centres. Known for its iron and steel industry, Hamilton has no shortage of manufacturing and construction-related jobs. As a result, welder jobs are quite popular in and around the Hamilton area. Due to its proximity to Toronto, many welders choose Hamilton as the city they want to start or continue their careers.
Hamilton, Ontario is known for its iron and steel industry and has many welding jobs.
How Much Do Welder Jobs Pay in Hamilton?
The salary figures in Hamilton lie just around the national average for welder jobs in Canada. The median hourly pay for welders in Hamilton is $25/hour ($52,000.year). Welders with less experience can expect $17.50/hour ($36,400/year). More experienced welders can be paid up to $38/hour ($79,040 annually).
Vancouver, British Columbia
Sitting on Canada’s Pacific coast, with a beautiful skyline and mountains on the horizon, Vancouver is one of Canada’s most beautiful cities. It offers an amazing quality of life, scenic views, and many things to do around the city. Vancouver has a large manufacturing sector so finding a job as a welder may not be a problem. However, Vancouver is also Canada’s most expensive city. That is why it’s vital to research the job market and the cost of living in Vancouver before you arrive. While Vancouver offers opportunities for welders in many industries, it may be worthwhile to consider living in Surrey, British Columbia, or other neighbouring cities.
How Much Do Welder Jobs Pay in Vancouver?
The median hourly pay in Vancouver is $30/hour or $62,400 annually. Starting welders can expect to earn $19.50/hour ($40,560 annually). More experienced welders can make up to $45.15/hour ($93,912/year).
Even though Vancouver is the most expensive city in British Columbia, it is not where welders earn the highest income. Vancouver’s surrounding regions generally offer higher wages to welders willing to work there.
Montreal, Quebec
Montreal is a major industrial hub in Canada. The city is also regarded as one of the world’s top three aerospace capitals. Montreal currently hosts the headquarters of Air Canada, Bombardier, and the International Civil Aviation Organization, all of which are big players in the Aerospace Industry. As a result, Montreal has no shortage of manufacturing jobs including welder jobs. Not only is the manufacturing industry in Montreal expanding, but many welders in Montreal will retire soon.
How Much Do Welder Jobs Pay in Montreal?
The median salary for welder jobs is $26/hour ($54,080/year) and falls below the national average of $28/hour. Starting welders can expect to earn $20.60/hour (42,848/year). However, welder salary increases are usually frequent so new welders don’t stay at their starting salary for long. More experienced welders can make up to $36.80/hour or $76,544/year.
With lucrative welding jobs available in cities across Canada, this is a career option worth considering.
For information, tools, free webinars, and more visit our Finding a Job in Canada resource page. Get the help you need to achieve your career goals in Canada!
My name is Zain Usmani and I am a freelance content writer who currently resides in Mississauga, Ontario. I immigrated from Pakistan to Canada 5 years ago and have lived in many cities ever since. I have lived in Calgary AB, Edmonton AB, Regina SK, London ON, and Mississauga ON, while visiting over 40 Canadian cities and towns. I have a great passion for writing and I love helping people through it.
The Canadian construction industry and skilled trade companies are always on the lookout for workers. With many vacancies for construction jobs in Canada combined with a shortage of skilled trades workers, Canada is looking to newcomers to help fill this void. Currently, newcomers make up 16% of the construction workforce in Canada. Learn more about job requirements, credentials assessment, construction salaries, and free pre-arrival services to help you build your construction career.
Construction job requirements will vary based on the target occupation. For example, some trades and construction jobs in Canada are regulated in specific provinces while others are not. Currently, there are over 400 skilled trades in Canada. And about 20% of jobs are regulated. Jobs that are regulated require a license or certificate of qualification to practice to ensure the health and safety of all Canadians.
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If your trade is regulated in the province or territory where you plan to settle, you may need to get a license from a regulatory body.
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If you are a construction professional such as an architect, or an engineer, you must also meet professional licensing requirements. Or, you may work in a specific functional area such as Human Resources, Finance, or IT, and would like to make a career switch to the construction industry. In that case, it’s important to explore the licensing requirements of those professions.
Now is a great time to join Canada’s construction industry. And, if you have the right skills and experience, you’ll find great jobs in cities across Canada.
How to Immigrate to Canada as a Construction Professional in the Skilled Trades
Before You Move to Canada to Pursue a Construction Career
For newcomers, it’s important to understand the what’s happening in the construction before moving to Canada. There are steps that you can take before you arrive to improve your chances of working in Canada’s construction industry:
Learn about the construction industry in the local area where you will land or live in Canada
When researching Canada’s construction industry, consider these questions to guide you:
Do Canadian construction employers value my skills, education, and work experience?
What construction professions are in-demand and are there regional differences?
Is my education equivalent to Canadian standards? Do I need to get my education assessed?
Is my profession or skilled trade regulated or unregulated and how does this impact me?
Will my professional licence (credential) be recognized?
What wages can I expect to earn in the province or territory that I’m heading to?
What to Expect When Pursuing a Construction Career in Canada
Before you even arrive in Canada, you need to know the job requirements so that you’ll be in an advantageous position to land a job that matches your skills and experience. It’s also important to know where the jobs are because labour market conditions can vary across the country.
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With over 400 skilled trades jobs and other licensed professions, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Pre-arrival services can help you find your way. BCCA-Integrating Newcomers (BCCA-IN) offers free pre-arrival services to people who would like to join Canada’s construction workforce. They know the construction industry and can help you to:
Build local connections
Work with the right credential authorities
Connect with construction associations and employers in different regions in Canada.
Employment Outlook for Skilled Trades and Construction Jobs in Canada
Canada is facing a labour shortage in the construction industry. This is largely due to the number of construction projects in progress, as well as a shrinking labour force. As Canada’s workforce ages, employers now need to replace employees who are retiring and will look to labour from around the world to meet the demand. And the industry can offer a diverse and rewarding construction career in Canada.
Immigration will help to meet the increasing labour needs. The construction industry is working to create greater equality and diversity among its workforce by recruiting groups such as women, Indigenous Peoples, and newcomers.
Demand for construction trades is likely to remain high. According to BuildForce Canada, the industry needs to recruit 309,000 new construction workers over the next decade (2021 – 2030), driven by the expected retirement of 259,100 workers (or 22% of the current workforce).
Many employers accept applications from experienced tradespeople from around the world. But the outlook for construction jobs varies depending on the province or territory, and the trades or professions that are in demand. Some provinces facing the greatest labour shortages include Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Alberta.
What Kinds of Construction Jobs are Available in Canada?
The construction industry provides high-paying jobs for tradespeople, licensed professionals, and business function professionals. With experience in the following areas, you can build a great career in Canada:
Business Consultant HR IT Sales/Marketing Finance Logistics Supply Chain Operations…
Construction is a multi-billion-dollar industry in Canada that offers careers that are in high demand.
Requirements for Working in Construction in Canada
Internationally trained construction workers must meet the licensing requirements in Canada to practice (if applicable to the role). But there are many entry-level construction jobs that require little to no experience. If you are an experienced construction worker, you could qualify for higher-level roles, depending on the trade.
Construction companies will look for newcomers with the ability to write, read, listen, communicate, and speak English (or French if you plan to live in Quebec).
Language Training for Construction Jobs in Canada
You may have strong technical skills, but you may need to upgrade your communication skills. Strong skills in one or both of Canada’s official languages, English or French – are important for your future in Canada. Whether you choose to focus on learning or improving English or French will depend on which of the two languages most people speak in the area where you intend to live.
You may be eligible for Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program. Otherwise, you can find free or affordable classes in English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) classes through school boards or settlement agencies.
There are even language courses to teach you professional terminologies, such as job-specific language training and Occupation Specific Language Training (OSLT) in Ontario. And, if you already speak one of Canada’s two official languages at a high level, learning the other one is a good option, as it may offer you better job opportunities.
Skilled Trade and Construction Schools in Canada
There are many trade and construction schools in Canada. And, continuing your education when you move to Canada can help you to advance your construction career. Most diploma and certificate programs are offered at the college level.
Below is a list of construction schools across Canada.
Provincial and Territorial Construction and Trades Regulatory Bodies
Most trades are regulated by provincial or territorial agencies. For more information about certificates of qualification for specific trades, click on the link for the province or territory where you plan to settle.
There is a wide salary range for construction jobs in Canada. Your salary is based on your experience, specialized skills, trade, and location. It’s important to consider both the provincial and regional labour market conditions for your specific trade. Construction job salaries typically range from $15 to $35 per hour. The average hourly rate is $21 per hour. The average annual salary range for workers based on a 40-hour work week is $43,680. The highest annual salary tops out at about $72,800.
Note: Salary numbers are for construction labourer jobs. Construction professionals with specialized skills have the potential to make a high yearly salary.
Construction Salary and Wages in Canada
It’s important to research trades that are most in demand in Canada. It’s also good to know what skills, licenses, and certificates you require to practice your trade. You can browse jobs here to get an idea of the skills employers are seeking.
To get an idea of pay, here are the 2022 pay scales for different trades in Canada. The figures provided are based on 2022 national averages. Wages will vary based on the province and region.
2022 national average wages for some of the well-paying trades jobs in Canada. Source Government of Canada Job Bank.
Best Provinces to Work in Construction Jobs
Available construction jobs in Canada are relative to the size of the population. So, you can expect to find more construction jobs where there are more people. For example, Ontario, Canada’s second largest province geographically represents about 37.5% of construction employment in Canada. British Columbia represents 16.7% of construction activity, while Alberta, represents 15% of construction activity. (Source: BuildForce Canada)
Before deciding where you want to settle in Canada, research where there is a high demand for your specific job that will allow you to build your construction career.
Click on Job Prospects links to learn about wages, job outlook, and requirements for construction jobs that are in demand in Canada.
Research job prospects by province and by local economic regions. Source: Job Bank Canada
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How Big is the Construction Industry in Canada?
Whether it’s building new hospitals, schools, skyscrapers, or new homes, there has never been a more exciting time to join Canada’s construction industry! According to the Canadian Construction Association, the industry employs more than 1.4 million people and about 7% of Canada’s workforce. It is one of the leading sources of employment in Canada. The industry has two primary sectors: residential and non-residential construction sector.
Residential Construction Sector
Canada’s construction industry employs more than 1.4 million people in the residential and non-residential construction sectors.
Work in the residential sector includes both new home building and home renovation. Employers in residential construction are usually:
New home builders and renovation contractors hire tradespeople on staff.
Trade contractors that specialize in a specific area such as plumbing contractors or heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) contractors.
There are many opportunities in residential construction across Canada. But some regions are more active than others. So, it’s vital to research job demand at the national, provincial, and local levels. BCCA-IN can help you connect with construction associations and employers across Canada.
Non-residential Construction Sector (institutional, industrial, commercial, and engineering)
Within the non-residential construction sector, there is also high demand. For example, there are large, resource-based construction projects underway across the country. The table below outlines examples of projects in several provinces:
Alberta
British Columbia
New Brunswick
Ontario
Manitoba
Wind and gas-fired utilities
Liquified natural gas facilities and natural gas plans
Oil refinery (capital & maintenance)
Nuclear refurbishments, hydro, wind and solar utilities
Hydro development projects
Transmission lines
Hydro and wind utilities
Utilities – water treatment and dam replacement
Transmission lines
Transmission line
Examples of Industrial Construction Projects in Canada
Major Employers for Skilled Trade and Construction Jobs in Canada
While Canada has many large construction companies such as PCL and Aecon, according to the Canadian Construction Association, 70% of the industry is small (fewer than five employees) to medium-sized companies. With a growing industry, starting your construction career with a small company can allow you progression opportunities and higher earning potential as the company grows.
How to Work in Your Trade in Canada
Construction has many regulated trades and professions. BCCA-IN can help you determine if your job is regulated and connect you with the right credential authority to get your career off to a great start.
To meet labour shortages, Canada will rely on tradespeople with experience from other countries. If you have trade experience, you may need to have your work experience or training assessed to receive certification. Each province and territory have its own certification requirements.
With trade experience from another country, you can complete a Trade Equivalency Assessment. This assessment shows you:
Past training
Work experience
Level of education
Level of language ability.
And, based on your previous work experience you may be qualified to write the Certificate of Qualification exam. This exam tests your knowledge, competence, and ability to perform important tasks in your trade.
How to Find Your First Construction Jobin Canada
The Canadian job market is competitive, so you will need to prepare to find a job. It’s important to research available construction jobs in Canada by province and region and develop a plan to find work.
There are many ways to search for jobs including:
Broadening your search and including alternative careers.
Seeking a mentor who could give you insight into Canada’s construction industry and introduce you to their network.
Joining job-finding or networking clubs through immigrant-serving agencies.Attending construction job fairs and regularly checking online job boards.
Finding a job in Canada may be different than in your home country and you may need help with your job search. Most settlement agencies offer free services to help you:
Find job vacancies
Update your resume
Write cover letters
Prepare for interviews, and
Understand what Canadian employers are looking for.
Find out more about the free services that settlement agencies offer to newcomers here.
Go on Informational Interviews with Construction Professionals
An informational interview is a brief (20–30-minute) meeting that you schedule with a person who is currently working in the construction industry. The purpose of an informational interview is to find out more about the construction industry in Canada, as opposed to trying to get a job. For example, you may want to learn more about trends, and regulatory, or technological changes that are affecting the field.
An informational interview with a contact from your network can be an excellent source of career information. In addition to getting information about the industry, you can benefit from their first-hand experiences working in the field in Canada.
Network to Find Construction Jobs
Networking is a vital activity to help you find job leads, gain professional advice, and expand your network. In Canada, many job vacancies are not advertised. Also known as the “hidden” job market, you can discover these jobs through networking with others. So, it’s helpful to connect and build relationships with others in your field who can help you discover these jobs. Good places to network include conferences, associations, and other settings.
LinkedIn is another vital tool for networking. Using LinkedIn, you can connect with former colleagues and employers, search for jobs, and get introductions to others. You can also join some relevant groups to learn more about the construction industry in Canada.
But remember, that you have to allow time to cultivate and grow the ties you establish through networking. Nothing will happen overnight and you need to be patient.
With a positive outlook for construction jobs in Canada, now is the time to check out your options. Interested in learning more about working in Canada? Check out our Finding a Job in Canada resource page. We can help you achieve your career goals in Canada.
The average salary (or wage) in Canada for construction jobs can vary. And, depending on your specific trade, experienced tradespeople can find high-paying jobs and build a great career in Canada. So, let’s look at some of the different trades in Canada and the average salary tradespeople can expect to earn in construction jobs. In Canada, most trades are paid an hourly rate versus a salary.
With high retirement rates due to an ageing workforce, there is a strong demand for workers with skilled trade experience. And for tradespeople, this is a good news story because there are great jobs with high earning potential right across Canada. As well, Canada is searching for smart and skilled tradespeople from around the world to meet the expected labour shortage over the next decade.
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In Canada, there are over 400 skilled trades that contribute to the construction industry. And, the average salary in Canada for construction workers can vary based on factors such as:
The type of trade
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2. Your level of experience
3. The job outlook for specific trades
4. the provincial and regional labour market conditions
So, to understand how much you can expect to earn, it’s important to consider all of these factors. And, you can do more research to get a better understanding of the average salary in Canada for construction jobs.
Four Factors that Determine Average Salary in Canada:
1. Average Salary Depends on Your Trade
Depending on your trade, the median wage per hour can vary. Using research information provided by the Government of Canada Job Bank, you can find wage information for many different trades in Canada. In addition to the median wage in Canada, you can click on the links to find wage at the provincial and community levels. A typical work week in Canada is usually 37.5 – 40 hours per week. Based on the figures below, you can estimate what an annual salary would be.
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Here are the 2022 national median wage per hour figures for some of the trades in Canada:
Other Compensation in Addition to the Average Salary
On top of the hourly wage, skilled tradespeople often receive a generous benefits package. And, these benefits are part of the total compensation package. Benefits may vary in each province or territory, but generally include things such as:
Dental insurance
Supplemental medical insurance
Short-term and long-term disability insurance
Pension plan for your retirement.
When you add these benefits on top of the average salary in Canada, a career in the trades is well-paying.
Based on your experience in another country, your starting salary may be higher. And, you may get an increase in pay if you upgrade your skills or get other certificates.
Some trades in Canada require you to have a license or certificate to work in your trade. And, it can vary in each province or territory as well. So, it’s important to find out:
If you require a license or certificate
How to get your experience and qualifications from another country recognized
To give you an idea of the payscale, here are the 2022 pay scales for different trades in Canada. But, these figures are national averages, and wages will vary at the provincial and regional levels.
2022 national wages per hour for some of the well-paying trades jobs in Canada. Source: Government of Canada Job Bank
3. The Job Outlook Can Drive Up the Average Salary in Canada
Because of the construction labour shortage that Canada is facing, the future is bright for tradespeople from around the world. For employers competing to attract labour, offering higher wages can be a point of difference for job seekers.
But, it’s still important to do your research so you know which trades are most in-demand in Canada. It’s also a good idea to know what skills, licenses, and certificates you may need to have for your trade. You can browse jobs here, to get a sense of the types of skills employers are seeking. With the right qualifications, your salary may increase.
4. Local Market Conditions for the Trade
While there is an overall demand for tradespeople, it’s important to understand where there is a demand for specific trades within Canada. For example, some provinces or territories may have a higher demand for your trade. And, even within a province or territory, there may be specific regions that have a great demand for specific trades.
Key Takeaways:
There are great job opportunities for smart, skilled tradespeople from around the world to meet Canada’s labour shortage. And, you can build a great career in various trades in Canada.
2. It’s important to research which trades are most in-demand and understand what’s required so that you can find a great job when you land in Canada.
3. Tradespeople can make a high average salary in construction in Canada, coupled with a good benefits package from an employer.
4. While there is a demand for tradespeople in Canada, it’s important to research which regions in Canada have the highest demand to know where the jobs are available.
For more information, tools, resources, and free webinars visit finding a job in Canada. Get the help you need to achieve your career goals in Canada!
Linda Ryanis the National Program Manager with BCCA-Integrating Newcomers, a government funded, Canada-wide, pre-arrival career coaching service for high skilled construction professionals immigrating to Canada (*BCCA-IN).
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A career and certified performance coach, she and the BCCA-IN team specialise in helping newcomers plan for, and achieve, employment success, no matter what city or province they are moving to.
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When it comes to working in skilled trades jobs in Canada, Ryan outlines what you need to know and do before you arrive in Canada. She explains what you need to compete against Canadian applicants who possess the education and credentials to work in trades jobs. Prepare for Canada (PFC) spoke to Ryan and here’s what she had to say!
PFC: You state that prospective newcomers first need to understand occupation classifications to work in trades jobs in Canada. Can you expand on this?
Linda Ryan: Yes, firstly, it’s important to understand that occupations in Canada are classified in two ways:
1. Regulated occupations that are:
controlled by provincial, territorial, and sometimes federal law
Governed by a regulatory body.
And to practice in a regulated occupation and to use the reserved title or obtain the exclusive right to practice you need a:
Certificate
License, or
Registration.
The regulations ensure that professionals meet the standards of practice and competency and protect the health and safety of Canadians. Check here to see if a trade job is regulated.
Watch now to get skilled trade licensing tips for newcomers!
2. Unregulated occupationsthat do not require a license, certificate, or registration to legally work.
PFC: Can you tell us more about the right to practice and reserved title regulations?
Linda Ryan: The exclusive right to practice applies to professions whose members are the only ones who can engage in the profession’s activities and use the title allowed them by law. The law defines, among other things, the activities strictly reserved for the member of each regulatory body.
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Reserved title means that it is a profession where only the members of a regulatory body can use specific titles and abbreviations allowed by law. If you’re not a member of that regulatory body you may practice the profession. But you may not use any of the titles or allow others to believe (by using a similar title or abbreviation) that you are a member of a regulatory body.
PFC: What are some specific examples of regulated trade jobs in Canada?
Linda Ryan: About 20% of jobs are regulated in Canada. These include professions such as engineers and skilled trades such as a plumber, electrician, construction craft worker, concrete finisher, carpenter, boilermaker, mechanic, metal fabricator, pipefitter, etc. Because there is a vital health and safety focus to this type of work, you require a license to work in most construction trades jobs.
PFC: What advice would you give to job seekers who have trades job experience in their home country?
Linda Ryan:The best advice to those with experience is to begin the credential recognition process as soon as possible. And, you can even begin this process before you arrive in Canada.
The traditional route to earning your credential (also known as “ticket”) is through a three or four-year apprenticeship that combines:
Paid employment
On-the-job training, and an
Annual short-term release for class-based learning and exams.
It’s also possible to “challenge” a trade credential by:
Showing proof of education
Documenting and validating your experience
Taking a bridging program, and
Sitting exams.
In other words, you might not have to do a full apprenticeship to get your trade credential. In fact, you may be able to skip several years of apprenticeship by documenting your experience and education. And once you start the challenge process, you can provide this information on your resume and job applications. This shows employers that you are actively pursuing credential recognition.
PFC: How do regulatory bodies help newcomers who are searching for trade jobs in Canada?
Linda Ryan: In Canada, the provinces and territories regulate most trades. So it’s important to identify which province you plan to live in. This will allow you to reach out to the right regulatory body for your trade. These bodies help in many ways, for example, they can help you:
Learn how to get your license
Get your out-of-country experience and credential recognized
Understand what other courses you may need to take, and
Develop a plan to earn your “ticket”.
Qualified tradespeople command high salaries and favourable career growth. So all of this information will help you to know where to invest your time and energy before you arrive in Canada. And, importantly, it will allow you to make decisions about how to build your long-term career in Canada. Click here to find the regulatory body for your trade by province or territory.
PFC: What is the Red Seal program and why is it important?
Linda Ryan: The Red Seal program sets common standards to assess the skills of tradespeople across Canada. And Red Seal trades are high-demand trades recognized across Canada. The Red Seal exam and accreditation process allow you to practice that trade anywhere in Canada. This is important if you move to a new province or territory because you don’t have to re-license. Click here to find a list of Red Seal trades across Canada.
Learn More about BCCA-IN
*The BCCA-Integrating Newcomers program is a free, pre-arrival, Canada-wide service, focused on helping high-skilled newcomers explore and build successful construction careers. Services include one-on-one career guidance, tailored resume, cover letter, LinkedIn advice, and an in-depth skills and education assessment to help newcomers focus on the best career, credentials and connections activities. The Integrating Newcomers team not only has multi-industry experience but are also immigrants who have built successful careers in Canada.
