Current Students
Thinking about a career in the trades? There are a number of programs and services that can help you decide if a career in the trades is right for you.
International Qualifications
If you have experience working as a tradesperson outside of Ontario or Canada, you can get your experience and education recognized locally. The following sites have information to get you started so you can find work in Ontario.
- Skilled Trades Ontario's Trade Equivalency Assessment is the first step towards obtaining a Certificate of Qualification for experienced workers who have not completed an Ontario apprenticeship but who have equivalent skills and experience.
- Red Seal Program provides information and accreditation for foreign workers in the skilled trades.
- Build ON is a free, pre-arrival service that helps immigrants prepare for a career in the skilled trades.
Apprenticeships
Gain skills training through work experience under the supervision and direction of an experienced worker. More information about apprenticeship is available at:
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent's CKJobs program and Goodwill Career Centre are available to assist with job searching in the trades, and apprenticeshipsearch.com can also help you find employers seeking apprentices.
Most apprentices participate in formal classroom instruction to support their on-the-job education. In Chatham-Kent the following schools offer apprenticeship programs in a number of fields:
