Explore Red Seal Trades

Below is a list of trades, each with details like licensing, salary, and job outlook.

• Agricultural Equipment Technician

  Description: Sets up, maintains, diagnoses, repairs, and reconditions farm equipment.

  Licensing/Certification: Red Seal available, certification compulsory in some provinces.

  Salary Range: 20–42

  Job Outlook: High demand due to skilled labor shortages.

  Skills & Education: Mechanical aptitude, problem-solving, high school diploma, apprenticeship required.

  Official Resource: https://www.red-seal.ca/eng/trades/.1gr.3_t.2ch.shtml

  Low Education Barrier: No

  Good Job Outlook: Yes

  Pays Well: Yes

  Part-Time Apprenticeship: No

• Appliance Service Technician

  Description: Repairs and services appliances like washers, dryers, dishwashers, and refrigerators.

  Licensing/Certification: Red Seal available, certification voluntary in most provinces.

  Salary Range: 20–46

  Job Outlook: Strong demand due to complex appliance technology.

  Skills & Education: Electrical and mechanical skills, troubleshooting, customer service, apprenticeship.

  Official Resource: https://www.red-seal.ca/eng/trades/.1ppl.3.1nc.2_t.2ch.shtml

  Low Education Barrier: No

  Good Job Outlook: Yes

  Pays Well: Yes

  Part-Time Apprenticeship: Yes

• Auto Body and Collision Technician

  Description: Repairs and restores damaged motor vehicles, including structural and cosmetic work.

  Licensing/Certification: Red Seal available, certification voluntary in most provinces.

  Salary Range: 20–47

  Job Outlook: Good prospects, rising demand for skilled repair technicians.

  Skills & Education: Manual dexterity, automotive structures knowledge, apprenticeship required.

  Official Resource: https://www.red-seal.ca/eng/trades/auto-body-col-tech.shtml

  Low Education Barrier: No

  Good Job Outlook: Yes

  Pays Well: Yes

  Part-Time Apprenticeship: No

• Automotive Service Technician

  Description: Performs maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs on cars and light trucks.

  Licensing/Certification: Compulsory in some provinces, Red Seal available.

  Salary Range: 20–47

  Job Outlook: Very strong due to vehicle complexity and maintenance demand.

  Skills & Education: Mechanical, diagnostic, electrical knowledge, apprenticeship required.

  Official Resource: https://www.red-seal.ca/eng/trades/.1.5t.4t.2ch.shtml

  Low Education Barrier: No

  Good Job Outlook: Yes

  Pays Well: Yes

  Part-Time Apprenticeship: Yes

• Baker

  Description: Prepares a variety of baked goods, including bread, pastries, and desserts.

  Licensing/Certification: Red Seal available, certification voluntary.

  Salary Range: 15–25

  Job Outlook: Steady outlook, demand in grocery stores and bakeries.

  Skills & Education: Attention to detail, math for measurements, apprenticeship or culinary program recommended.

  Official Resource: https://www.red-seal.ca/eng/trades/b.1k.2r.shtml

  Low Education Barrier: Yes

  Good Job Outlook: Yes

  Pays Well: No

  Part-Time Apprenticeship: Yes

• Boilermaker

  Description: Constructs, installs, and repairs boilers, tanks, and other large vessels.

  Licensing/Certification: Red Seal available, certification compulsory in some provinces.

  Salary Range: 25–50+

  Job Outlook: Good demand due to aging infrastructure and maintenance needs.

  Skills & Education: Physical strength, blueprint reading, welding knowledge, apprenticeship required.

  Official Resource: https://www.red-seal.ca/eng/trades/b.4.3l.2rm.1k.2r.shtml

  Low Education Barrier: No

  Good Job Outlook: Yes

  Pays Well: Yes

  Part-Time Apprenticeship: No

• Bricklayer

  Description: Builds and repairs structures made of brick, concrete block, and masonry materials.

  Licensing/Certification: Red Seal available, certification voluntary.

  Salary Range: 20–40

  Job Outlook: Positive with strong demand in construction.

  Skills & Education: Physical stamina, manual dexterity, apprenticeship required.

  Official Resource: https://www.red-seal.ca/eng/trades/br.3ckl.1y.2r.shtml

  Low Education Barrier: Yes

  Good Job Outlook: Yes

  Pays Well: Yes

  Part-Time Apprenticeship: No

• Carpenter

  Description: Constructs, renovates, and repairs wooden frameworks, walls, roofs, and other structures.

  Licensing/Certification: Red Seal available, compulsory in Quebec.

  Salary Range: 20–43

  Job Outlook: Good job prospects in construction and renovation.

  Skills & Education: Blueprint reading, precision, physical endurance, apprenticeship required.

  Official Resource: https://www.red-seal.ca/eng/trades/c.1rp.2nt.2r.shtml

  Low Education Barrier: Yes

  Good Job Outlook: Yes

  Pays Well: Yes

  Part-Time Apprenticeship: No

• Construction Electrician

  Description: Installs, repairs, and maintains electrical systems in various buildings.

  Licensing/Certification: Compulsory in most provinces, Red Seal available.

  Salary Range: 20–48

  Job Outlook: Very strong due to ongoing construction and energy needs.

  Skills & Education: Electrical theory, troubleshooting, apprenticeship required.

  Official Resource: https://www.red-seal.ca/eng/trades/c.4nst_.2l.2ctr.3c.shtml

  Low Education Barrier: No

  Good Job Outlook: Yes

  Pays Well: Yes

  Part-Time Apprenticeship: No

• Roofer

  Description: Installs, repairs, and replaces roofs using shingles, metal, or membranes.

  Licensing/Certification: Red Seal available, certification voluntary in most provinces.

  Salary Range: 22–50

  Job Outlook: Strong demand due to maintenance and new construction.

  Skills & Education: Physical endurance, working at heights, apprenticeship available.

  Official Resource: https://www.red-seal.ca/eng/trades/r.4f.2r.shtml

  Low Education Barrier: Yes

  Good Job Outlook: Yes

  Pays Well: Yes

  Part-Time Apprenticeship: No

• Tiler

  Description: Installs ceramic, porcelain, and stone tiles on floors, walls, and other surfaces.

  Licensing/Certification: No Red Seal; provincial certifications vary.

  Salary Range: 20–45

  Job Outlook: Good, steady demand in renovations and new builds.

  Skills & Education: Attention to detail, precision cutting, apprenticeship possible.

  Official Resource: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/apprenticeship.html

  Low Education Barrier: Yes

  Good Job Outlook: Yes

  Pays Well: Yes

  Part-Time Apprenticeship: Yes

• Insulator

  Description: Installs thermal and acoustic insulation in buildings and industrial equipment.

  Licensing/Certification: Red Seal available, certification voluntary.

  Salary Range: 20–42

  Job Outlook: Steady demand due to energy efficiency initiatives.

  Skills & Education: Attention to detail, working in confined spaces, apprenticeship available.

  Official Resource: https://www.red-seal.ca/eng/trades/i.3s.2r.shtml

  Low Education Barrier: Yes

  Good Job Outlook: Yes

  Pays Well: Yes

  Part-Time Apprenticeship: Yes

• Glazier

  Description: Cuts, installs, and repairs glass in windows, doors, and other structures.

  Licensing/Certification: Red Seal available, certification voluntary.

  Salary Range: 22–45

  Job Outlook: Stable, increasing demand for energy-efficient glass installations.

  Skills & Education: Precision, safe handling of glass, apprenticeship required.

  Official Resource: https://www.red-seal.ca/eng/trades/g.2a.2r.shtml

  Low Education Barrier: Yes

  Good Job Outlook: Yes

  Pays Well: Yes

  Part-Time Apprenticeship: Yes

• Cabinetmaker

  Description: Builds, repairs, and finishes wooden cabinets, furniture, and millwork.

  Licensing/Certification: Red Seal available, certification voluntary.

  Salary Range: 20–45

  Job Outlook: Good demand in custom cabinetry and furniture making.

  Skills & Education: Woodworking skills, blueprint reading, apprenticeship available.

  Official Resource: https://www.red-seal.ca/eng/trades/c.1bi.2t.shtml

  Low Education Barrier: Yes

  Good Job Outlook: Yes

  Pays Well: Yes

  Part-Time Apprenticeship: Yes

• Heavy Equipment Operator

  Description: Operates dozers, excavators, and loaders for construction, mining, and maintenance.

  Licensing/Certification: No Red Seal; provincial certification or tickets required.

  Salary Range: 25–50

  Job Outlook: Very high demand due to infrastructure and resource projects.

  Skills & Education: Machine operation skills, safety protocols, on-the-job training.

  Official Resource: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/apprenticeship.html

  Low Education Barrier: Yes

  Good Job Outlook: Yes

  Pays Well: Yes

  Part-Time Apprenticeship: No

• Powerline Technician

  Description: Installs and repairs electrical power systems including overhead and underground lines.

  Licensing/Certification: Red Seal available, compulsory in most provinces.

  Salary Range: 35–65

  Job Outlook: Very strong demand for infrastructure and renewable energy projects.

  Skills & Education: Electrical safety, climbing ability, troubleshooting, apprenticeship required.

  Official Resource: https://www.red-seal.ca/eng/trades/p.3l.2t.shtml

  Low Education Barrier: No

  Good Job Outlook: Yes

  Pays Well: Yes

  Part-Time Apprenticeship: No

• Sheet Metal Worker

  Description: Fabricates and installs ductwork, roofing, and other sheet metal products.

  Licensing/Certification: Red Seal available, certification voluntary.

  Salary Range: 25–50

  Job Outlook: Good demand in HVAC and construction sectors.

  Skills & Education: Blueprint reading, metal fabrication, apprenticeship available.

  Official Resource: https://www.red-seal.ca/eng/trades/s.3t.2m.shtml

  Low Education Barrier: No

  Good Job Outlook: Yes

  Pays Well: Yes

  Part-Time Apprenticeship: Yes

• Welder

  Description: Joins and repairs metal parts using welding techniques (MIG, TIG, arc).

  Licensing/Certification: Red Seal available, certification voluntary.

  Salary Range: 25–55

  Job Outlook: High demand in construction, manufacturing, and oil & gas.

  Skills & Education: Manual dexterity, blueprint reading, apprenticeship required.

  Official Resource: https://www.red-seal.ca/eng/trades/w.2d.2r.shtml

  Low Education Barrier: No

  Good Job Outlook: Yes

  Pays Well: Yes

  Part-Time Apprenticeship: Yes

• Cook

  Description: Prepares, seasons, and cooks food in restaurants, hotels, and institutions.

  Licensing/Certification: Red Seal available, certification voluntary.

  Salary Range: 15–25

  Job Outlook: Steady demand; consistent turnover in food service industry.

  Skills & Education: Knife skills, food safety, time management, apprenticeship available.

  Official Resource: https://www.red-seal.ca/eng/trades/c.2k.shtml

  Low Education Barrier: Yes

  Good Job Outlook: Yes

  Pays Well: No

  Part-Time Apprenticeship: Yes

• Hairstylist

  Description: Cuts, styles, and colors hair; provides advice on hair care and products.

  Licensing/Certification: Red Seal available, certification compulsory in some provinces.

  Salary Range: 18–35

  Job Outlook: Consistent demand in beauty industry, potential for tips and commissions.

  Skills & Education: Creativity, manual dexterity, customer service, apprenticeship available.

  Official Resource: https://www.red-seal.ca/eng/trades/h.2r.shtml

  Low Education Barrier: Yes

  Good Job Outlook: Yes

  Pays Well: No

  Part-Time Apprenticeship: Yes

• Industrial Painter

  Description: Applies specialized coatings to machinery, tanks, and structures for corrosion protection.

  Licensing/Certification: Red Seal available, certification voluntary.

  Salary Range: 22–45

  Job Outlook: Good demand for corrosion protection and maintenance work.

  Skills & Education: Painting techniques, surface prep, safety knowledge, apprenticeship available.

  Official Resource: https://www.red-seal.ca/eng/trades/i.3p.2r.shtml

  Low Education Barrier: Yes

  Good Job Outlook: Yes

  Pays Well: Yes

  Part-Time Apprenticeship: Yes

• Recreation Vehicle Service Technician

  Description: Repairs and maintains RVs, trailers, and motorhomes.

  Licensing/Certification: Red Seal available, certification voluntary.

  Salary Range: 22–45

  Job Outlook: Steady demand as RV usage grows.

  Skills & Education: Mechanical, electrical, plumbing knowledge, apprenticeship available.

  Official Resource: https://www.red-seal.ca/eng/trades/r.3v.2r.shtml

  Low Education Barrier: Yes

  Good Job Outlook: Yes

  Pays Well: Yes

  Part-Time Apprenticeship: Yes

• Elevator Mechanic

  Description: Installs, maintains, and repairs elevators, escalators, and lifts.

  Licensing/Certification: Red Seal available, certification compulsory in many provinces.

  Salary Range: 40–75+

  Job Outlook: Very high demand due to ongoing urbanization and building development.

  Skills & Education: Mechanical, electrical, troubleshooting, apprenticeship required.

  Official Resource: https://www.red-seal.ca/eng/trades/e.3l.2v.2r.shtml

  Low Education Barrier: No

  Good Job Outlook: Yes

  Pays Well: Yes

  Part-Time Apprenticeship: No