r/SkilledTradesOntario

I am a 22 year old welder/fabricator with 6 years of experience in everything from steel pressure vessel welding to aluminum tig welding and heavy repair. It is pretty much my dream to move out of south Ontario into Canada proper.

I don't want to go into too much detail but currently I am working as the lead custom fabricator for an aluminum structure production plant. Essentially I make custom stairs, ramps, cabinets, jigs counters and literally anything that the engineers I report to require.

My main issue is I never did a structured program or received any official schooling so I am not eligible for an apprenticeship, however I have current CWB tickets in structural steel flux core, mig, stick all position and stainless steel in all the same, all position.

this is the most recent large project I have completed solo

pretty much what I am asking is if I have any chance as a uneducated welder/fabricator up north either in the mines or working as a repair welder in some other natural resource extraction.

I want to leave as soon as possible, honestly id leave tomorrow and live out of my truck for a few weeks before I found residence if I had a decent enough offer. I have my own basic tools and PPE so I can jump into pretty much anything

next summer I am going to tour around the north on my motorcycle and talk to as many potential employers everywhere from Kenora to Timmins and see how that goes.

How’s it going,

I’m a hardworking young guy in Ontario with renovation experience, looking to build a long-term career in the trades.

For those currently working in construction: what trades or types of construction are staying steady/busy right now? Is non-union work any better, or is the slowdown affecting everyone?

Open to union or non-union. Commercial, industrial, infrastructure, service work, etc. — I’m open to anything with good long-term potential.

Any insight or personal experience is appreciated!

I am a recently minted Red Seal Construction Electrician wondering if there value in writing the Industrial red Seal? Would I be eligible? Would it open up more opportunities?

I'm in Alberta if that makes a difference.

Licensed plumber in Toronto, starting G3 theory through George Brown this week and planning to carry on to G2 after.

Need to buy CSA B149.1:25 and B149.2:25. The bundle is $390 USD direct from CSA, around $530 CAD, and it is the same price whether I take paper or PDF.

Leaning toward the physical copy but wanted to hear from people who have actually been through it.

1. Anyone who went digital, is the DRM workable or is it a pain? Can you actually print it to take to a shop?
2. For the TSSA exams, does anyone bring anything other than the paper book?
3. Is there a cheaper Canadian source than buying direct from CSA, or is that just what it costs?

Thanks.