Canada is known to face a severe shortage of skilled workers. In some countries, tradespeople or blue-collar jobs are sometimes looked down upon, but in Canada, tradespeople are respected and pay well.
In Canada, tradesman positions in most industries are regulated by provincial, territorial, or federal regulatory agencies. In this article, we will not only cover 10 industry jobs that are in high demand in Canada but also provide regulatory certification bodies for each province.
10 industries in high demand in Canada
1. Chef (NOC 63200)
Professional chefs are responsible for preparing and cooking different types of food. In addition to meal preparation, chefs may also be responsible for managing supplies and food inventory, minimizing kitchen waste, cleaning kitchens and cooking areas, planning menus, budgeting for food costs, and training helpers.
Restaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools, and community living establishments often employ chefs to prepare meals for guests or residents.
2. Industrial Electrician (NOC 72201)
Industrial electricians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical equipment and controls in industrial settings such as factories, factories, shipyards, mines, etc.
3. Welder (NOC 72106)
Welders operate welding and brazing equipment and are typically employed in heavy machinery, aircraft, shipping, metal production, or steel and sheet manufacturing. Some welders may open their own shop or work as contractors for other welding companies.
4. Hairstylist (NOC 63210)
A hairstylist, also known as a hairdresser or barber, usually works in a hair salon, barbershop, vocational school, or film and theater agency, cutting and styling hair.
5. Auto Repair Technician (NOC 72410)
Automotive service technicians are responsible for inspecting, diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining automobiles and other vehicles. Typically, they need to be familiar with the electrical, electronic, and mechanical components of the car and may need to advise customers on general vehicle condition and repair requirements.
6. Carpenter (NOC 72310)
The job responsibilities of a Carpenter may involve the construction, installation, maintenance, and repair of structures made of wood, wood substitutes, steel, and other materials. They often need to familiarize themselves with building regulations, read blueprints, prepare budgets, and supervise other construction crews. Carpenters can be self-employed or employed by construction companies, building maintenance departments, or other contractors.
7. Industrial Mechanic (NOC 72400)
Industrial mechanics are responsible for the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of industrial machinery and mechanical equipment. Industrial mechanics typically work in manufacturing plants, utilities, and other industrial settings.
8. Plumber (NOC 72300)
Plumbers are typically responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining plumbing equipment, pipes, and other fixtures used for water supply and wastewater treatment in buildings. In Canada, plumbers may be employed in industrial, commercial, or residential establishments. Some plumbers work independently or for plumbing contractors.
9. Building Electrician (NOC 72200)
Building electricians are responsible for installing, testing, repairing, and maintaining electrical equipment, wiring, and fixtures within buildings. In Canada, building electricians typically work in the maintenance department of buildings or with electrical contractors.
10. Transport truck driver (NOC 73300)
Truck drivers drive different types of trucks, such as tow trucks, cargo trucks, trailers, or cement mixer trucks, for long or short distances of goods. Transport truck drivers may be employed by transportation, manufacturing, distribution, and moving companies, or they may be self-employed.
Certification for most industry occupations in Canada is administered at the provincial or territory level by the following regulatory bodies:
- Alberta: Apprenticeship and Trade Training Authority
- British Columbia: British Columbia’s Industrial Training Authority
- Manitoba: Manitoba Apprenticeship
- New Brunswick: New Brunswick Government Apprenticeship and Vocational Accreditation Authority
- Newfoundland and Labrador: Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labor Apprenticeship and Industry Certification Division
- North West Territories: The North West Territories Government Apprenticeships and Trades Division
- Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia’s apprenticeship agency
- Ontario: Ontario Technical Bureau
- Prince Edward Island Province: Prince Edward Island Government Apprenticeship Training and Skilled Trades Accreditation Authority
- Quebec: Quebec Employment Agency
- Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan Apprenticeship Training and Trade Accreditation Board
- Yukon: Yukon Education Apprenticeship and Tradesman Certification
With the above information, you may have begun to gear up and eager to try. So how to apply for this type of job in Canada?
First of all, before applying, you must create a Canadian-style resume. The Canadian resume format can be very different from the one you use in your home country. Unlike other resume formats, a Canadian-style resume emphasizes your achievements and skills rather than your job responsibilities.
Many Canadian employers are now using an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) that filters out resumes that best match job descriptions, so it’s important to tailor your resume to the keywords in the job description.
The hiring process in Canada typically involves several steps, including resume screening and multiple rounds of interviews. By preparing for interviews in advance, researching companies and interviewers, and practicing answering common interview questions, you can greatly improve your chances of landing a job in Canada.