Ontario

Building infrastructure is an important part of the Government of Ontario's plan to stimulate the economy. The investment will create and support more than 300,000 jobs and make significant long-term improvements to transportation, health care, and education.

A strong and modern skilled trades sector is vital to Ontario's economic well-being. The government is taking steps to promote the skilled trades as a career choice and modernize the apprenticeship system.

The 2008 Ontario Budget committed $560 million over three years to new skills for new careers. That includes $75 million over three years to expand the apprenticeship system and increase registrations and completion rates.

Ontario is investing in the trades. As a responsible tradesperson, you invest in Ontario when you report your employment, business, or subcontractor income. Just say "No thanks" to the cash jobs.

Want to work in the skilled trades? Employment Ontario, Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU), has services right across Ontario that can help you. Apprenticeship training provides access to well-paying jobs that demand a high level of skill, judgement, and creativity.

There are currently more than 140 apprenticeable trades in Ontario in four sectors: construction, industrial/manufacturing, motive power, and service.

Services for Apprenticeship
The Ontario government has a number of ways to help you get started in an apprenticeship. Full-time students in grades 11 and 12 earn cooperative education credits through work placements in skilled trades.

Women in Skilled Trades
The Women in Skilled Trades program provides funding for pre-apprenticeship training designed exclusively for women.

Career Finder
Learn which careers are in demand and how to find a career that matches your interests and personal goals.

Ontario Student Assistance Program
OSAP provides eligible Ontario students with financial assistance to help pay for their tuition, books, mandatory fees, living costs, and transportation.

apprenticesearch.com
The best place to search online for apprenticeship opportunities and information about the skilled trades in Ontario.


OYAP is a School to Work program that opens the door for students to explore and work in apprenticeship occupations starting in Grade 11 or 12 through the Cooperative Education program.

Ontario has a competitive business climate. The government provides services and resources to help business owners expand and stay competitive in the province and abroad. Learn what you need to know about starting and running a business in Ontario.

Are You HST Ready?
Harmonized Sales Tax for Ontario

Canada Ontario Business Service Centre

Guide: How to Start a Construction Business in Ontario

Financing for Starting a Business Info-Guide

The Ontario Building Code

The Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) promotes workplace health and safety, and provides a workers' compensation system for the employers and workers of Ontario. The Safe Communities Incentive Program promotes safety in the workplace and can help small businesses reduce their WSIB insurance premiums.

Optional Insurance
Sole proprietors and independent operators are not automatically covered under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, but can apply for optional insurance.

Young Workers Health and Safety

The Young Workers Zone of the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) is designed to help you stay healthy and safe at work.

Protecting Our Future: Information For Young Workers

Ontario Labour Relations
The Ontario Labour Relations Board is responsible for determining bargaining units and bargaining agents, trade union certification, unfair labour practices, first contract arbitration, and jurisdictional disputes.

Worksmart Ontario
Find out how to be safe at work. Find out how to be treated fairly.

Youngworker.ca
Share your stories and learn how workplace injuries have affected the lives of other young workers.

Check out the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program if you are interested in working in other provinces.

British Columbia

New Brunswick