As a newcomer, you may feel as though you are receiving an influx of information about working in construction, but you are not sure what sources can truly be trusted. Below, you will find links to trusted resources that will help guide you in the construction industry in Ontario.
Licences and Labour Market
When immigrating to Ontario, the first thing you will want to do is discover if your field requires a licence. The best and most effective way to do this is by going to
Skilled Trades Ontario, and selecting the “
About Trades” section. From this drop-down menu, you will be able to find an in-depth list of all the trades in Ontario. By selecting a trade, you will discover what licences are required. Another reputable way to gain insight into your field is by visiting
Job Bank – Explore the Market. This webpage will allow you to search your trade, and the city you will be settling in. Then, by clicking the “Requirements” page, this will give you insight into what licences are needed and the licencing bodies that issue the certification/licence. Exploring
Ontario’s Labour Market webpage is another way to learn about job prospects in different industries. Using
Careers in Construction or
Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) are also great resources to see what certifications are needed in your field.
Helpful Language Resources
Once in Canada, you may realize that in the construction industry there are terms that you may not be familiar with that are frequently used on the job site. Colleges and other service providers across Ontario host
Occupation Specific Language Training classes to help prepare you for work in your field. These are free language courses that will provide you with the required language skills to succeed on the job.
Bridge Training or pre-employment programs
One term you may hear is “Bridge Training Programs”. These are referring to government funded programs that are designed to bridge your international knowledge with Canadian workforce knowledge. Pre-employment programs, on the other hand, prepares you for finding employment through essential skills training and certifications. The
YMCA of the National Capital Region (Ottawa) offers a unique training program designed for construction professionals:
Pre-apprenticeship Home Renovation Training Program.
Facilitating Access to Skilled Talent (FAST) is another unique government funded program that offers an online and flexible bridge training program for those in skilled trades and construction. The government of Ontario also offers the
Ontario Bridge Training Program (OBTP), which provides you with the opportunity to bridge your international education, experience and training with what is required to continue working in your field in Ontario.
Credentials and Apprenticeships
If you are new to the construction field and are seeking an apprenticeship or general training, take a look at
Construction Training and Apprenticeship Ontario. As a newcomer, you may also want to focus on gaining credentials that can show employers you are knowledgeable in your trade – but you may not want to commit to going back to school full time. One avenue to explore is Micro credentials – this refers to short courses that are recognized by employers.
Quick Train Canada is funded by the Government of Canada, and offers a wide array of skills courses.
Skills in Action is another Government funded program that provides online skills training for numerous core skills.