r/SkilledTradesOntario

Hello everyone,

I'm 22 years old living in ottawa ontario, (for context i only have a g1 and im getting my g2 drivers license in november) and I've been working as a security guard for the past 2 years. I live with my parents and have managed to save up 36,000 CAD (~25,000 USD) and have 0 debt.

I'm thinking of going to college for HVAC because the program only takes 1 year to finish, however, the college isn't near my parents so I would have to get my own place and support myself

Currently, I make 2,500 CAD per month working as a security guard. I wouldn't be able to work nearly as much, maybe at all, if I go to the program because I want to get it done as fast as possible so I can start in the trade and make more money

The main problem I'm facing is that I worked very hard to save up that money and was planning on investing it, so the fact that I might have to use a big chunk of it to pay for rent, food, transportation, etc is disheartening.

I know my options are either go to the school, move out, and try to use some of the 36k to pay for my expenses for the next year or so, or to keep working as a security guard and save up more money so I can go to the school at a later time

If you were in my situation, would you say its smart to invest the money in my self by going to school and losing most of the 36k, or wait until I can support myself?

I'd really like to hear from anyone who went into this later in life and if they regretted waiting.

I recently got my G3 Gas Technician licence through Himark and I'm looking to get my G2. Unfortunately, Himark's G2 program isn't OSAP eligible because it's only around 3 months long, and I can't afford to pay out of pocket.

I've also looked at a few nearby colleges, but they all seem to offer a full Gas Technician program (G3 + G2 combined) rather than a standalone G2 course. Since I already have my G3, I'd rather not pay or spend time repeating material I've already completed.

I'm wondering if anyone knows of any colleges or schools in Ontario that offer a standalone G2 program that's eligible for OSAP. Ideally, I'm looking for something in or around the GTA, but I'm open to commuting if needed.

If you've gone through this process yourself, I'd really appreciate knowing:

• Which college or school you attended
• Whether you were able to get OSAP
• Roughly how much the program cost
• If you'd recommend it

I'm also open to any advice on the best path forward. I already have my G3 and eventually want to work toward becoming a 313A apprentice.

Thanks in advance!

Hello,

I am 31 years old looking to make a full transition from a correctional officer into skilled trades. I have no experience or schooling of any type of any skilled trades. A little about my self I've been looking into some trades not really sure what would be my ideal type, I do like working with my hands, I have not finished any college courses. I do not really have the luxury of stopping work to go back to school.

Was wondering if anyone else made a switch similar to mine and what steps you would take to transition?

Hello, it’s nice to meet you all in this subreddit. I have been fortunately, given the opportunity to apply to the local union #79 In NYC to become a skilled construction craft labor apprentice, the deadline to hand in my application is July 24.

I would really appreciate it if I could get three references with anything trade or construction related that would make me look good on paper.They are asking for a name, Business/profession and email for the references.

This is my first big job application and if I were to be hired, this would most definitely change my life. I appreciate any help that I can get, thank you and have a nice day to you all.

I am here in Ontario, Canada I am interested in becoming a licensed electrician. I am looking to enrol in electrical pre apprenticeship program in college near me. But if you know anything about how can I be an apprenticeship then please help me out.

Thank You.

Has anybody with resi and commercial, with some industrial experience challenged the 313A exam successfully? Using a pre exam prep course. My employer is going to sign off on the hours needed to challenge.

Hey everyone,
I’m an international student currently in Ontario, Canada. I’m completing my accounting from SENECA, but after spending time with it, I realized sitting at a desk doing tax/bookkeeping isn't for me. I’m pivoting into construction management, specifically aiming for Assistant Superintendent or Assistant Project Manager / Field Coordinator roles with the goal of becoming a full CM.
I know these positions carry real site responsibility (coordinating sub-trades, managing schedules, enforcing safety, and tracking progress). Since I don't come from a trade background and don't have industry contacts in Canada yet, I want to make sure I am completely strategic about how I position myself to General Contractors and home builders.
I’d really appreciate some honest advice and reality checks on a few specific points:

1. Degree vs. Targeted Certifications
   Do Canadian GCs strictly require a 3-to-4-year Civil Engineering or Construction Management degree for Assistant Super / Assistant PM positions?
   Can short, Gold Seal-accredited modules (e.g., Blueprint Reading, First Level Supervision, Building Code/OBC) combined with safety credentials get me serious consideration?

2. Offsetting the Lack of Hands-On Trade Experience
   Assistant Supers need to manage trades and read drawings. What technical knowledge or software skills (e.g., Procor**e,** Bluebeam Revu, MS Project) make the biggest impression on a hiring manager and show I won't be a liability on site?
   Does an accounting background give me an edge in cost tracking, RFIs, submittals, or project administration for Assistant PM/Super roles?

3. Essential Canadian/Ontario Certifications
   Outside of standard safety (WSIB First Aid/CPR), what specific Ontario credentials (like IHSA Basics of Supervising) are absolute non-negotiables for an Assistant Superintendent?

4. The Best Strategy to Get Interviewed
   Without a personal network in Canada yet, what is the best way to get noticed by GCs for an Assistant Super or Coordinator role? Should I apply directly online, connect with Superintendents on LinkedIn, or visit active job sites to introduce myself?

I’m hungry ready to put in the work to master the technical side. Any advice, harsh truths, or recommended steps to bridge this gap would be hugely appreciated!
Thanks in advance!

Howdy everyone. I did not complete high-school. My last completed credit was in Grade 11. I did not complete it due to health reasons.

However, I went to college as a mature student. I graduated with my diploma with high honours (around 97% average). I have been working in my field for 5 years.

I'm wondering if anyone has gotten an exemption from the highschool diploma requirement because they completed post-secondary education. If so, what was your experience like getting the exemption?

I have emailed them, but it's been 2 weeks and I'm getting impatient lol.

Let’s say you’re an HVAC person and there’s an established HVAC business for sale that does 2-3M in revenue yearly.

When would you consider buying the business vs working as an employee for someone else? (Doesn’t have to be HVAC - that’s just an example. Assume basically any trade).

Want to gather your thoughts.

I’m in my last year of high school and I really love cars,I’m in an auto shop program in school and have a mechanic coop too. I’ve heard that if you do something you like as a job you end up hating it. It this true? I don’t want to become a mechanic just to hate cars. I was also thinking trucking or heavy machinery mechanic also.

Hi all,

I received my test results back today with a passing grade. How long until the status updates on the portal and public registry?

I've heard some say the public registry updates before the results are even available but that isn't the case with mine.

TIA

I’m 24m looking to start college for heavy equipment technician, my father did this as a career and of course now I’d like to also follow his footsteps. I’m curious if anyone here can tell me from experience if it’s worth getting into or not. I know it’s a challenging trade that tests you physically and mentally sometimes , so any advice/feedback would be appreciated.

**looking at attending Cambrian college in Sudbury

I really want to become an ironworker in Toronto .
When do they usually take apprenticeship applications ?
I read some older posts saying that it is slow right now , still interested though. Anyone with more information feel free to share below.

Please remove if this is not appropriate for this sub.

Hi redditors! I’m focused on studying the industry and seeing how I can help (this is not a promo post, just trying to research and understand).

I understand that there appears to be a “shortage” of workers but there are many still looking for jobs. This contradiction has me curious.

Interested in hearing from both tradespeople and employers/contractors.

Would a trades recruitment company help? If not, what would? Trying to see where the problem lies.

Grateful for any feedback/discussion. Thanks!

Is anyone recently wrote 310S exam! I need help I failed twice