You want a career that offers strong job prospects, competitive salaries, with clear paths for growth and development, and even entrepreneurship: the skilled trades are your best bet.
There are all sorts of different jobs under the skilled trades umbrella that check these boxes – many of which you’ll find in CourseCompare’s list of the highest paying trades in Canada. The inability to outsource or automate trades such as mechanics, carpenters, welders, and electricians means that there is constant demand for these skilled professions, often with high salaries to match.
A 2024 Leger survey commissioned by Classic Fire + Life Safety found that while just 13 percent of Canadians work in trades, 40 percent have considered a career in the trades, and 52 percent hold a more positive view of the trades than they did a few years ago. Forty-two percent of respondents said they would choose a skilled trade if given the chance to start over, and 78 percent would encourage their children or others to explore these career paths.
Construction workers, heavy equipment operators, and welders can expect starting salaries in the mid-$60,000s to low-$70,000s range, while early-career carpenters, plumbers, or automotive technicians see average salaries in the mid-$70,000s, according to Canada’s Job Bank and Indeed. With increasing experience, senior tradespeople and journeypersons easily earn upwards of $90,000 a year – well-above Canada’s national average salary.
The diplomas and degrees, certificates, co-ops, and apprenticeships included in this year’s list of Canada’s top trade schools offer students a promising path to job security and good pay. But students we spoke to said it was the satisfaction of uncovering the true nature of things, of learning to diagnose and manually solve complex problems, that ultimately drove them to the skilled trades. Others mentioned the satisfaction they get from building things that last, whether it’s constructing new homes or saving a classic sports car from the scrapheap. Here are Canada’s best trade schools of 2025.
CourseCompare’s annual school rankings are determined using a process that considers several core metrics and principles. Read more about our methodology here.
Conestoga College
Conestoga College is one of the fastest growing colleges in Ontario and a leader in polytechnic education. Students across southern Ontario in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Stratford, Ingersoll and Brantford have access to industry standard equipment that is used in project-based courses, supplemented with apprenticeship and co-op opportunities. Conestoga has more than 4,000 students in 75 co-op programs. Conestoga prides itself on what it refers to as “technology-enhanced learning,” which connects students to lessons through online programs and mobile devices. That helps students stay ahead of the curve when joining an ever-growing digital workforce.
What Students Are Saying
Marco Romano, Carpentry and Renovation Technician“I am not a student but a business owner. My experience recruiting carpentry and woodworking graduates from Conestoga has been excellent. My company depends on graduates from Conestoga for a variety of woodworking jobs and we are proud to support the college in whatever way we can. I would encourage people who want to work with their hands and contribute to building critical infrastructure and homes for people to live in, who enjoy good pay, and who want to take advantage of the many job opportunities available for skilled trades people today, to consider Conestoga. ”
Popular Programs
Conestoga offers more than 70 trades programs. Students can enrol in one advanced diploma program, 11 certificate programs, seven graduate certificate programs, 12 diploma programs and an impressive 38 college certificate programs. Conestoga offers students some of the best variety for trades skills all within the same walls, giving students the chance to see a variety of skilled trades in person. Industries such as construction, motorcycle repair, carpentry, woodworking and welding are covered.
Conestoga has one of the largest electrical training facilities in the province, while its woodworking and cabinetmaking programs are among the best-of-their-kind in Canada. Also noteworthy is the Women in Skilled Trades General Carpenter Pre-Apprenticeship program, which provides the skills needed to earn an apprenticeship, and start working with industry standard equipment. Each of the programs range in duration from a number of applied hours required to three-year diploma programs.
Locations
Kitchener, Doon, Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph, Ontario
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is one of the largest postsecondary institutions in the province, and its biggest trades training provider. The Burnaby-based school prides itself on delivering real-world technical skills through programs designed to teach you a trade and get you into the workforce in as little as six months.
As part of its focus on practical, hands-on education, students have access to highly specialized labs and equipment, from welding and automotive shops to actual jets and ships. That focus on real-world prep pays off for students: according to 2023 school statistics, 94 percent of BCIT trades foundation and trades-related vocational graduates were employed within four months.
Popular Programs
BCIT’s School of Trades & Apprenticeships delivers 129 specialized programs and 154 standalone courses in transportation, electrical, mechanical, and construction trades. The construction field alone has 51 full- and part-time programs, including carpentry, house inspection, interior design, ironwork, plumbing, and security systems. Among its notable programs is Trades Discovery for Women, a 16-week full-time program, teaching hands-on skills in 15 different trade disciplines, including piping, welding, wiring, and automobile and aircraft wiring systems.
Locations
Burnaby and Vancouver, British Columbia
Mohawk College
Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario offers 18 apprenticeship programs, making it one of the best choices to get started in the trades. In fact, Mohawk is the largest trainer of apprentices in the province, with 2,400 apprenticeship students each year. The college’s Stoney Creek campus in eastern Hamilton is the home of the Marshall School of Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship. Mohawk’s partnership with McMaster University gives students in automotive engineering technology, automotive and vehicle engineering technology, and biotechnology a rare opportunity to enjoy 700 hours of experience in a state-of-the-art university lab.
Popular Programs
The 18 apprenticeship programs include a variety of areas that students can work in, such as auto body and collision damage repair, general carpentry, metal fabrication, and welding. Ontario College Certificates can be earned in 10 programs such as construction techniques, gas and oil burner technician, and utilities systems operator. Diplomas are available in seven programs: construction engineering technician, construction engineering technician and building renovation, electrical engineering technician, general arts and science, manufacturing engineering technician, mechanical technician, and motive power technician.
Locations
Hamilton, Ontario
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology was founded in 1916 (with 11 registered students that year), making it the second oldest post-secondary institution in Calgary. Since then, the school has grown into one of the best destinations in Canada for those looking to learn a skilled manual trade. More than 250 industry partners assist SAIT in developing programs that students will get employer demanded skills from, and with a school-wide employment rate of 89 percent (which jumps to 92 percent for the School of Construction) and an average post-grad salary of just over $59,000, SAIT produces some of the best equipped graduates in the country.
What Students Are Saying
Chris Williams, Electrician“The Electrician program saved me a lot of grunt work. Compared to pre-employment graduates or people who start apprenticeships without work experience, you are basically jumping the line. Really good instructors and so many relationships with companies that you're going to get a good job out of this program if you do the work. I had a retail job in Calgary until I was 23, which is when I decided I wanted to challenge myself and start a new career. Looking back, I wish I started at SAIT sooner! ”
Popular Programs
There are nearly 80 construction, trades, and apprenticeship programs for students to discover at SAIT, organized and administered by the School of Construction. Certificates in areas like pre-employment carpenter, pre-employment pipetrades, or pre-employment refrigeration and air conditioning are earned in the classroom in 12 weeks. Diplomas in civil engineering technology, architectural technologies, and geomatics engineering technology can be earned in two years. A popular bachelor degree in the science of construction project management is also available. Apprenticeship options in areas like welding, sheet metal worker, roofer, glazier, and bricklayer are also popular among students.
Locations
Calgary, Alberta
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology is one of the largest producers of trades students and apprentices in Canada. More than 50 trades and apprenticeship programs are offered at NAIT, giving thousands of students the option to explore a number of branches of the trades. As Calgary is to SAIT, Edmonton is to NAIT, with three campuses in Alberta’s capital and one in the nearby city of Spruce Grove.
What Students Are Saying
Ed Salino, Automotive Service Technology“Outstanding place to learn crafts and trades. Taught me how a car really works and has been providing training to hundreds of students round the clock to provide world class Auto Technicians, mechanical, HVAC, Boiler tech, nurses, Culinary arts and many more disciplines. ”
Popular Programs
Diplomas in advanced plumbing, advanced welding, building environmental systems, electrical installations technology, and several more are available in one to two years. Certificates in millwork and carpentry, CNC machinist technician, HVAC technician, and pre-employment auto body repair are earned in 15 weeks to one year. Nearly 30 apprenticeship programs are available in subjects such as boilermaker, gasfitter, insulator, and welder. Those looking to earn a degree can join NAIT’s Trades to Degrees program, one of the first in North America that lets students who have already worked in the trades join a bachelor of business administration program to complement their training.
Locations
Edmonton, Alberta
Centennial College
If you’ve ever taken your car into a mechanic in Canada, there is a 50 percent chance a Centennial grad worked on it, according to the college. The school worked for the last half-century to establish an international presence in countries such as China, India, South Korea, and Brazil to further its reach to international students. Its four campuses in Toronto give 34,000 full-time and 19,000 part time students the skills required to stand out in their field as soon as they’re ready to join the workforce. Whether they be in Canada or around the world, Centennial students leave school set up for success.
What Students Are Saying
Elizabeth Agostino, Aircraft Maintenance - Aviation Technician“I’m a second year student at centennial college in the 2 year maintenance program. This program has taught me so much about aircraft and behind the scenes operations that happen every day,all times of the day, in order to keep the flying public flying safely and on time. Not many girls are in my program in my intake year (2023) but I did notice a significant increase in the number of girls in first year! It’s a really good program to test your skills and limits (it’s a demanding program). If you’re looking for a challenge and like airplanes or helicopters and want to know everything about them, take the 8112 program at centennial downsview! ”
Popular Programs
Centennial offers apprenticeship programs in everything from automotive repair to child and youth work. Engineering apprenticeships cover electrician and construction maintenance, and refrigeration and air conditioning systems mechanic. There are 12 options for those in the transportation industry covering autobody repair, motorcycle technician, power lift truck technician, and more.
Centennial also offers what it calls “modified apprenticeships” which are eight semesters long and are more robust than a traditional apprenticeship. The modified options are delivered in partnership with some of the biggest auto manufacturers in the world, including Honda, Toyota, Ford and General Motors.
Locations
Toronto, Ontario
St. Lawrence College
St. Lawrence College splits its trade programs between all three of its Ontario campuses in Kingston, Brockville and Cornwall. The variety of available courses at St. Lawrence means all students are able to find what suits them and succeed, with the school offering “fast track” delivery certificates which take one year to full-on four year degrees.
What Students Are Saying
Jake Schular, Carpentry Techniques“The carpentry program was awesome. The instructors had years of experience and taught us a lot of great tips and techniques. Highly recommend. ”
Popular Programs
St. Lawrence College offers apprenticeship programs that include industrial electrician, industrial mechanic, plumber, electrician for construction and maintenance, and welding. Diplomas in hairstyling, mechanical technician, motive power technician, welding and fabrication technician, esthetician, and electrical engineering technician are earned in 49 weeks to two years. Additionally, an Ontario College Certificate in general construction carpentry techniques can be earned in one year.
Locations
Kingston, Brockville, and Cornwall, Ontario
Humber Polytechnic
Humber College is Canada’s largest college, graduating more than 14,000 students annually through 200+ full-time programs. The school offers 20+ skilled trades and apprenticeship programs, mostly at the north campus in Etobicoke, Ontario.
Popular Programs
Humber’s trade school offerings include eight-semester degrees in three types of engineering, industrial design, and interior design. Certificates of achievement in programs such as aboriculture, cabinet making, and horticultural technology can be earned in anywhere from twelve weeks to three semesters. Advanced diplomas in construction engineering technology and HVAC technology are earned across six semesters. Diploma programs, which are earned in three or four semesters, include building construction technician, industrial woodworking technician and more.
Locations
Toronto, Ontario
Fanshawe College
Fanshawe is one of the largest colleges in Ontario with more than 220 programs (and more than 60 co-op programs, the most of any college in Canada) spread across multiple campuses in London St. Thomas, Simcoe and Woodstock, Ontario. More than 40 of those programs are in skilled trades and apprenticeships, in a variety of delivery formats from full-time in-person to online.
What Students Are Saying
Chris Arnold, Mechanical Engineering Technician - CNC/CAM“I completed two programs at Fanshawe. Mechanical engineering and mechanical design. The school was outstanding, with down to earth profs who were friendly and knowledgeable in every aspect of their programs. The labs are well equipped with up to date technology, which really helps students get an idea of what is to come in the workforce. There are even free events for new and old students to attend, which really helps the sense of community the school provides. If you’re considering mechanical engineering, I cannot recommend Fanshawe enough. ”
Popular Programs
Apprenticeship programs offered at Fanshawe include general carpenter, plumbing, resident air conditioning systems mechanic, sheet metal worker, general machinist, industrial electrician, industrial mechanic, and tool and die maker. Certificates in carpentry and renovation, electrical techniques, and welding are also available. Diplomas in manufacturing engineering, electrical engineering , mechanical engineering, renewable energies, and carpentry and renovation can also be earned.
Locations
London, St. Thomas, Simcoe, and Woodstock, Ontario
George Brown
George Brown College is renowned in Canada as a premier institution for culinary arts, business, and trades. The college focuses on experiential learning, which allows students to gain real world experience through placements, co-ops and simulations. In 98 percent of the school’s career-focused programs, students have at least one experiential learning opportunity. These experiences and partnerships with businesses range from cooking meals at The Chefs’ House marketplace to assisting in care programs at one of George Brown’s 12 child care centres across Toronto.
Popular Programs
George Brown College offers certificate programs in plumbing, welding, electrical, and construction techniques, which can each be earned in one year. The certificate programs cover residential and commercial applications for plumbing and electrical, labs and virtual training for welding (one of the most in-demand trades in Canada), and a number of choices on where to branch out after completing the construction techniques certificate.
Diploma programs include Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Technician as well as Carpentry and Renovation Technician programs, both of which are earned over two years. Advanced diplomas in Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Technology, which teach you how to design energy-efficient HVAC systems, and Building Renovation Technology, which dives into custom home design and renovation, are earned over three years.
Locations
Toronto, Ontario
Durham College
Durham College’s Faculty of Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship (STA) is located in Whitby, Ontario. There are 11 apprenticeship programs and 15 post-secondary programs, many of which offer co-ops and placements. Durham’s trades programs cover a range of areas of expertise, from welding to HVAC to millwrighting techniques.
What Students Are Saying
Matthew G, Automotive Technician - Service and Management (Motive Power Technician)“Durham College is, by far, the best educational institution that I have ever been a part of. My teachers were helpful and supportive every step of the way and encouraged me to do better than what I thought was my best. My program also helped set me up with a placement that further helped increase my chances at being employed and skill set! I love the campus, the people and the staff. All of my fellow classmates thoroughly enjoyed our courses and we all feel prepared for working in our industry. Thank you, Durham College! I would recommend this school to anyone who wants to be part of something amazing! ”
Popular Programs
Durham’s crane operation, rigging and construction techniques program is the only one of its kind in Ontario and designed to give students an edge over the competition when finished. The program uses simulations to provide students with expertise they can show a future employer, which other candidates lack.
Four semester Ontario College Diploma programs include automotive technician, building construction technician, carpentry and renovation technician, electrical engineering technician, elevating devices, millwright, and welding engineering technician. Ontario College Certificate programs, earned in two semesters, include crane operation, rigging and construction techniques, electrical techniques, gas technician 2, HVAC techniques, plumbing, power engineering techniques – fourth class, and trades fundamentals. Durham offers its own certificates in gas technician 2 and 3, as well as one bachelor’s degree in construction management, which takes eight semesters.
Locations
Oshawa, and Whitby, Ontario
Seneca Polytechnic
Seneca College in the Greater Toronto Area is home to more than 60,000 combined full-time and part-time students across five campuses. Seneca prides itself on applied research, helping students gain real world experience while offering top-notch support staff in areas such as software and data sciences, life sciences, design and animation, engineering, health sciences, and business and finance.
Popular Programs
Seneca offers one of the leading firefighter training programs in the country, with areas of study including fire investigation, wildland fire suppression, and fire related computer software systems. Seneca’s fire program is also associated with nearly a dozen professional fire associations on regional, provincial, and national levels. Specific programs in fire protection engineering technician or technology earn diplomas in two and three years, respectively.
Diplomas in mechanical engineering technician, tool design, building systems engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering technician, civil engineering technology, electromechanical engineering automation, electronics engineering technician, and electronics engineering technology are available in two to four years.
Locations
Toronto, Ontario
Red Deer Polytechnic
Red Deer Polytechnic began as a small community college to further the education for residents of the Alberta town, which has since grown into the fourth largest in the province. Red Deer was granted polytechnic status by the Alberta government in 2021, allowing it to offer apprenticeships, degrees, diplomas, and certificate programs in-line with local industry needs. Red Deer’s two campuses offer more than 80 programs to 10,000+ students, with a 91 percent graduate employment rate within six months of graduating.
What Students Are Saying
Kai Davis, Pharmacy Technician Diploma“Teachers and facilities are great. It's a smaller school where you feel like part of a community. The other great thing about RDC is all the apprenticeship programs it has. Many companies in Alberta work with RDC and create opportunities for students to get local work experience. The college becomes a polytechnic in 2021. I hope it keeps on serving Albertans for years to come. ”
Popular Programs
Red Deer College offers 17 apprenticeship programs to students from its main campus. In four years, students can work on their apprenticeships as automotive service technician, carpenter, electrician, heavy equipment technician, industrial mechanic (millwright), instrumentation and control technician, plumber, sprinkler systems installer, or steamfitter/pipefitter, among other roles. Students looking to become a cook, locksmith, materials technician, parts technician, or welder are able to do so through three-year programs. Additionally, there is a two-year program in water well drilling and a one year program as a gasfitter.
Locations
Red Deer, Alberta
Algonquin College
Algonquin College is recognized as a top destination for people looking to start an apprenticeship in Canada, thanks in large part to the sheer number of choices offered. Algonquin’s three campuses in Ottawa, Perth, and Pembroke offer students 19 apprenticeship programs and more than 5o co-op programs. Programs ranging from carpentry to woodworking ensure that more than 18,000 full-time students are ready to join the workforce with the skills – and tools – they need in hand.
Popular Programs
Trades programs at Algonquin include auto body and collision repair, sustainable architecture design, and welding. Algonquin College also offers diplomas in building construction, cabinetmaking and furniture, heating, refrigeration and air conditioning, each of which is earned in 42 weeks. Additionally, horticultural industries and powerline technician diplomas take two years to complete. Most diploma programs also offer co-ops. Ontario college certificates in carpentry and renovation, general arts and science (pre trades) and mechanical techniques are earned in one year, while a welding and fabrication certificate is earned in 42 weeks.
Locations
Ottawa, Perth, and Pembroke, Ontario
Canadore College
North Bay, Ontario’s Canadore College is among the smallest schools on this list, with just about 5,600 students. That said, more than 80 full-time programs and apprenticeships are offered across its four campuses, covering everything from police studies, and Indigenous studies, to design, and dramatic arts. Nearly 30 percent Canadore’s student body is First Nation, Métis or Inuit.
What Students Are Saying
Megan fox, Motive Power Technician“The teachers are very knowledgable in the trade takes about real issues are they came across and how they solve them. they truly cared about their students and them succeeding in the program. The hands on shop projects, one of my favourite parts because you get to take what you learned and physically do it in class And the walk-through step-by-step to make sure you understand the procedures before moving onto a next topic. ”
Popular Programs
Canadore offers 86 full-time and part-time trades programs, including a building construction technician program, which takes 42 weeks and earns graduates a diploma. Renovation techniques and mechanical techniques are each 28-week-long courses that earn students an Ontario College Certificate. Trades fundamentals courses outline the basics of motorcycle service, plumbing, electrical and carpentry, welding, AutoCAD and machining over 28 weeks.
The college offers 13 apprenticeships, including truck and coach technician (see truck driving schools), general machinist, and mechanical technician – welder-fitter.
Locations
North Bay, Ontario
Sheridan College
Sheridan College grew from a school of only 400 students in the 1960s to one of Ontario’s largest colleges by offering students unparalleled insight into what it takes to thrive in any subject. Sheridan offers seven trades programs from its Davis campus in Brampton, Ontario. Instead of offering students co-ops and apprenticeships while in school, Sheridan’s courses prepare students for those next steps that they can take on their own, after earning either a certificate or diploma.
Popular Programs
Students at Sheridan can choose from diplomas in environmental technician, plumbing technician, or mechanical technician – CNC and precision machining, or certificates in advanced manufacturing management, electrical techniques, or mechanical techniques – CNC and precision machining. Sheridan also offers an honours bachelor in electrical engineering.
Locations
Brampton, Ontario
Editorial Team
This is amazing! Thank you. Anything about aviation or aircraft maintenance?
And no love for Loyalist College 🙁
Mohawk College has a new (facility opened in 2021) School of Aviation Technology at the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM). They offer Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance, Avionics Maintenance and Aircraft Structures Programs. Last year the entire graduating class each received one or more job offers in their field. Their are lots of jobs at YHM which is Canada’s Cargo hub.
SAIT’s got a ton of aviation related programs (https://www.sait.ca/?q=aviation) – you should also look at the RPAS program (sait.ca/drones)!
Please, can international students be admitted to these schools?
Can international students apply for trade school certificates?