Trades are skilled jobs such as carpenter, welder and hairstylist. The standards for training and certification in skilled trades are set by a government branch called Apprenticeship Manitoba.

To become a certified tradesperson you must pass an exam, or work under supervision and attend training for a period of time called an apprenticeship.

(Except for trades that have compulsory certification, you can practise a trade without being certified. However, if you do not become certified you may miss employment opportunities and higher wages in your trade.)

Get your international work experience recognized

If you are already experienced in a trade you can become a certified journeyperson by challenging the certification exams in your trade. In order to be eligible to challenge your certification exams you must prove that you have a certain number of years of work experience in your trade and that you have knowledge, skills and abilities associated with your trade. To learn more go to the Apprenticeship Manitoba webpage Exam Challengers.

Trades career planning tools

Take an online test to see if you have the skills required for various trades. Read detailed information about trades including job descriptions, tools, terminology and job opportunities. Make your own website to use as a tool when looking for training or a job. You can do all this by visiting the free website tradesinfo.ca.

Advice from other newcomers

To read how recent immigrants successfully found work in the trades go to the website immigrantsandcareers.mb.ca.