Looking for a career that builds your future and your community?
What if you could learn practical skills and build a career that supports your goals and values?
Hear from Indigenous tradespeople about how they’ve built strong, meaningful careers while staying connected to their values, communities and goals.
The unionized skilled trades offer:
- Paid, hands-on training
- Real-world experience from day one
- A path to stability through union support, with access to benefits and pension security
- A community that supports your success
Sound good? Your next steps are to explore the trades and start preparing for an apprenticeship.
Explore the trades below to find one that suits your skills and interests! When you’re ready for the next step, try the Build Your Skills Learning Hub – it’s your complete resource to support you through every step of your skilled trades journey.
Start your career journey here!
Explore the trades below to find the best fit for you.
Boilermaker
Boilermakers construct, install, and repair large containers and vessels that hold liquids and gases under pressure. This heavy industrial trade requires strength, precision, and technical skill.
Responsibilities
- Lay out patterns and fit and weld parts together
- Install, repair, and maintain boilers and heavy-metal products
Bricklayer
Bricklayers build and repair walls, partitions, fireplaces, and other structures using brick, block, and stone. Their craftsmanship ensures durability and structural integrity in construction.
Responsibilities
- Read sketches & blueprints to calculate materials required
- Measure and construct corners first, using a plumb line & mason's level to ensure level layers
Cement Mason
Cement masons work with concrete to build foundations, sidewalks, floors, and other structures. They shape and finish surfaces that form the basis of nearly every construction project.
Responsibilities
- Place concrete, check formwork and steel reinforcement materials
- Have knowledge of grouts, epoxy material & concrete curing materials
Electrician
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, lighting, communications, and control systems. They keep construction projects running safely and bring buildings to life with energy.
Responsibilities
- Read and interpret drawings and electrical code specifications
- Cut, thread, assemble and install conduits, other electrical conductor enclosures & fittings
Glazier
Glaziers cut, install, and replace glass in windows, skylights, and storefronts. They bring light and visibility to buildings while ensuring safety and energy efficiency.
Responsibilities
- Read and interpret drawings & specifications
- Measure, cut, fit, install, and/or secure glass panes, window parts & architectural metals
Heat & Frost Insulator
Insulators install materials that control and maintain temperature in buildings, piping, and equipment. Their work improves energy efficiency, safety, and comfort in industrial and commercial settings.
Heavy/Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver
Truck drivers transport materials, equipment, and supplies to and from construction sites. They keep projects moving by ensuring reliable, on-time delivery.
Iron Worker
Iron workers assemble and install the structural framework of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure. Their work provides the backbone of modern construction.
Responsibilities
- Read blueprints & specifications to lay out work
- Safely operate tools & equipment
Painter and Allied Trades
Painters and allied tradespeople apply finishes to buildings and structures, protect surfaces from damage, and improve appearance. Their work spans painting, coating, drywall finishing, and surface preparation.
Plasterer & Stucco Mason
Plasterers and stucco masons apply plaster, stucco, and decorative finishes to walls, ceilings, and building exteriors. They combine durability with craftsmanship to protect and beautify surfaces.
Responsibilities
- Installing interior and exterior coatings, including Venetian plaster and specialized textured finishes
- Applying, leveling, and smoothing coats using trowels, brushes, or spray guns, and creating decorative, or textured finishes
Plumber & Pipefitter
Plumbers and pipefitters assemble, install, and maintain piping systems for water, gas, and other fluids. Their work is essential to the function and safety of homes, businesses, and industrial sites.
Responsibilities
- Read blueprints & specifications to determine plumbing layout
- Locate, mark, join and secure pipe sections
Sheet Metal Worker
Sheet metal workers fabricate and install ductwork, roofing, siding, and other metal components. Their precision ensures proper ventilation, durability, and energy efficiency.
Responsibilities
- Lay out, measure and mark dimensions according to drawings & templates
- Supply, install, service and repair air handing equipment, furnaces & fans
Sprinkler Fitter
Sprinkler fitters install and maintain fire protection systems in commercial and residential buildings. Their work is critical to life safety and building code compliance.
Tile Layer
Tile layers install ceramic, marble, and other types of tile on floors, walls, and surfaces. They combine precision and artistry to create durable, attractive finishes.
The skilled construction trades are for everyone!
Amazing mentors
Earning potential
Work-life balance
Rewarding careers
Not sure which skilled trade is right for you?
There are tons of different trades within the unionized construction industry, and each offers a different kind of challenge and reward.
Explore the trades above to...
- Learn the day-to-day responsibilities associated with each skilled trade
- Explore the skills and attributes needed for each trade
- Find a trade that fits your skills and interests
Wondering if you’ve got what it takes to succeed in the trades?
There are tons of resources to help you get started in an apprenticeship and a lifelong career in the unionized skilled trades.
The Build Your Skills Learning Hub can help you...
- Brush up on your math, science, reading and more
- Find easy-to-follow lessons, interactive activities and video tutorials
- Feel confident as you prepare for an apprenticeship
Do you have resources for apprentices?
When you are in apprenticeship training, there are loads of resources to help you succeed.
The Build Your Skills Learning Hub gives you...
- Trade-specific resources, interactive activities and video tutorials to help you tackle technical training concepts.
- Professional development topics to help enhance your career in the skilled construction trades.
- A Red Seal prep course to help you achieve your Red Seal or trade certification.
