Intro to Easiest Skilled Trades In Ontario
Hey its Lester your American brother and if you are apart of my Canadian family and thinking about a career change but don’t want to spend the next four years in a classroom you’re in the right place.
Ontario’s skilled trades sector is booming, and there are several paths that let you get started quickly without drowning in textbooks or racking up massive student debt.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the most accessible trades in Ontario, how long it actually takes to get trained, and what kind of opportunities you can expect. Whether you’re fresh out of high school or looking to switch careers at 35, there’s likely a trade here that fits your situation.
Why Ontario Is a Great Place for Tradespeople
Here’s what makes Ontario particularly appealing for skilled trades:
First, the province has the largest population in Canada, which means constant demand for construction, renovation, and maintenance work. Additionally, Ontario’s infrastructure projects from new transit lines to housing developments create thousands of trade jobs every year.
Moreover, the provincial government actively supports apprenticeships through funding programs and incentives. As a result, you can often earn while you learn, making the transition into a new career much more manageable financially.
What Makes a Trade “Easy” to Get Into?
Let’s be honest about what we mean here. When we say “easy,” we’re not suggesting these careers don’t require skill or hard work. Instead, we’re talking about trades that have:
- Shorter training periods – typically under 12-18 months of classroom time
- Strong hands-on learning – less theory, more practical application
- Entry-level positions available – you don’t need years of experience to start
- Accessible prerequisites – most require only high school completion
- Clear apprenticeship pathways – structured programs that guide you through
Think of it this way: these are trades where you can start earning and learning faster than others, not trades that require less dedication once you’re in.
8 of the Easiest Trades to get started in Ontario
1. General Carpenter
Carpentry is one of the most versatile trades you can learn. You’ll work on everything from framing new homes to building custom furniture, and the variety keeps things interesting.
Why it’s accessible: Many employers hire apprentices with just a high school diploma. Furthermore, you’ll learn most skills on the job, with periodic classroom instruction spread over 3-4 years.
Training time: Approximately 7,200 hours of on-the-job training plus three 8-week classroom sessions
Starting salary: Around $40,000-$45,000, climbing to $70,000-$80,000 with experience
2. Construction Craft Worker
This is your gateway into the trades. As a construction craft worker, you’ll get exposure to multiple specialties, which helps you figure out what you really want to focus on.
Why it’s accessible: It’s truly entry-level. You can start with minimal experience and learn various skills that prepare you for more specialized trades later.
Training time: Varies, but you can often start working within weeks of basic safety training
Starting salary: $35,000-$42,000, with opportunities to transition into higher-paying specialized trades
3. Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic
With Ontario’s hot summers and growing focus on energy efficiency, HVAC work is in high demand. This trade focuses specifically on residential systems, making it more approachable than industrial HVAC.
Why it’s accessible: The scope is more focused than general HVAC, so the learning curve is manageable. Plus, there’s strong demand in both urban and rural areas.
Training time: About 5,000 hours of apprenticeship plus three 8-week training blocks
Starting salary: $42,000-$48,000, rising to $75,000-$85,000 with experience
4. Painter and Decorator
If you’ve got an eye for detail and don’t mind working at heights occasionally, painting and decorating offers a relatively quick entry into the trades.
Why it’s accessible: Lower physical demands compared to some trades, and you can start learning basic techniques quickly. Moreover, the startup costs for tools are reasonable.
Training time: 4,000 hours of on-the-job training plus two 6-week classroom sessions
Starting salary: $38,000-$44,000, with experienced painters earning $65,000-$75,000
5. General Machinist
Love working with precision tools and machinery? Machining might be your calling. You’ll create parts and components for everything from automotive to aerospace industries.
Why it’s accessible: Many community colleges offer pre-apprenticeship programs that give you a strong foundation before starting work. Additionally, the work is typically indoors and less physically demanding than construction trades.
Training time: 7,280 hours of apprenticeship plus three 8-week classroom periods
Starting salary: $42,000-$48,000, potentially reaching $80,000+ with specialization
6. Hairstylist
Yes, hairstyling is a registered trade in Ontario! If you enjoy working with people and have creative flair, this could be an excellent fit.
Why it’s accessible: Training programs are widely available across the province, and you can often complete your education in under two years. Furthermore, you can work in various settings—from salons to film sets.
Training time: 3,200 hours of apprenticeship plus two 6-week training blocks (or attend a private career college program)
Starting salary: $30,000-$38,000, with experienced stylists and salon owners earning $60,000+
7. Automotive Service Technician
Cars aren’t going anywhere, and someone needs to fix them. Automotive service is a solid, stable career with clear advancement opportunities.
Why it’s accessible: Excellent college programs throughout Ontario provide strong foundational training. Moreover, dealerships and independent shops often sponsor apprenticeships.
Training time: 7,200 hours of on-the-job training plus three 8-week classroom sessions
Starting salary: $38,000-$45,000, climbing to $70,000-$80,000 with Red Seal certification
8. Plumber
Every building needs plumbing, which means steady work. While plumbing has its challenges, the training path is well-established and the career prospects are excellent.
Why it’s accessible: Strong demand means many employers are willing to take on apprentices with little experience. Additionally, the work is varied you’ll do everything from new installations to repairs.
Training time: 9,000 hours of apprenticeship plus three 8-week training periods
Starting salary: $45,000-$52,000, with licensed plumbers earning $80,000-$95,000+
Where to Train in Ontario
Ontario has excellent training infrastructure for skilled trades. Here are some key institutions:
Greater Toronto Area:
Eastern Ontario:
- Algonquin College (Ottawa)
- St. Lawrence College (Kingston, Cornwall, Brockville)
Southwestern Ontario:
Northern Ontario:
Central Ontario:
Additionally, don’t forget about union training centers and private trade schools, which often offer specialized programs.
How to Actually Get Started
The process is more straightforward than you might think:
Step 1: Research the trade that interests you. Talk to people who actually do the work most tradespeople are happy to share their experiences.
Step 2: Next, decide between starting with a pre-apprenticeship program or finding an employer who’ll sponsor your apprenticeship directly. Both paths work; it depends on your situation.
Step 3: Register with the Ontario College of Trades once you begin your apprenticeship. This is a legal requirement and helps track your progress.
Step 4: Complete your required hours and training. Throughout this time, keep good records of your work experience you’ll need this documentation.
Step 5: Finally, write your Certificate of Qualification exam. Pass this, and you’re officially certified in your trade.
Financial Support Available
Don’t let money be the barrier. Ontario offers several ways to fund your training:
Apprenticeship Incentive Grant: Up to $1,000 per year for the first two years of your apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Completion Grant: Up to $2,000 when you finish your program
Canada Apprentice Loan: Interest-free loans of up to $4,000 per training period
EI Benefits: In some cases, you can receive EI while attending full-time apprenticeship training
OSAP: Ontario Student Assistance Program may be available for pre-apprenticeship programs
Furthermore, many employers offer signing bonuses or cover the cost of your training. It never hurts to ask.
The Reality Check
Let’s be real for a moment. Starting a trade isn’t always easy, even if the path to entry is relatively quick:
- You’ll work with your hands and body expect to be tired at first
- Weather can be a factor for outdoor trades
- Some days are repetitive; other days are problem-solving marathons
- You need to stay current with new tools, techniques, and codes
However, the rewards are real too:
- Job security in growing industries
- Tangible results you can see and be proud of
- Competitive wages without university debt
- Opportunities to start your own business eventually
- Respect from people who understand skilled work
Why Now Is the Time
Ontario is facing a skilled trades shortage. Over the next decade, thousands of tradespeople will retire, creating opportunities for newcomers. Moreover, major infrastructure investments mean sustained demand for skilled workers.
This isn’t just hype it’s demographic reality. The trades need people, and they need them now.
Your Next Move
Pick one trade from this list that genuinely interests you. Not the one that pays the most or sounds the most impressive—the one you can actually see yourself doing.
Then, take one small action this week:
- Call a local college and ask about their programs
- Reach out to the Ontario College of Trades for information
- Connect with someone working in that trade and buy them a coffee
- Visit a job site and talk to the foreman about apprenticeship opportunities
The hardest part is starting. But once you take that first step, the path becomes clearer.
The trades are waiting, and Ontario needs skilled people ready to work.
About the Author
Lester Burkes is the Dean of Automotive & Trades at Clover Park Technical College and founder of LearnSkilledTrades.com. He helps people discover rewarding careers in the skilled trades throughout North America.
Take a look at the Easiest Trades to Learn In Canada
Learn about why Trades are a good choice for you if you live in Ontario
Find 10 of the best Tech Schools In Ontario
Highest Paying Trades In Ontario
Learn more about Apprenticeship in Ontario
