Start Your Career
The trades are more than just jobs—they’re careers built on skill, pride, and opportunity.
At TradesMedia, we’re here to spotlight the real people and real stories behind the tools, giving you a front-row seat to what life in the trades looks like. Whether you’re just starting out, thinking about a career change, or ready to learn a new skill, the trades offer a clear path to growth,
good pay, and meaningful work.
Explore the options, links and resources, videos, hear from professionals, and take your first step toward a hands-on future where you don’t just earn a living—you build something that lasts.
Provincial Building Trades Councils
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British Columbia: BC Building Trades represents over 45,000 skilled workers in the province.
Website: bcbuildingtrades.orgBC Building Trades+1BC Building Trades+1 -
Alberta: Building Trades of Alberta advocates for unionized construction workers in the province.
Website: bta.caBC Building Trades+4Canada's Building Trades Unions+4Canada's Building Trades Unions+4 -
Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council supports trades workers in the region.
Website: saskbuildingtrades.comPBCTCOntario+2Canada's Building Trades Unions+2BC Building Trades+2 -
Manitoba: Manitoba Building and Construction Trades Council represents skilled trades professionals in Manitoba.
Website: mbtrades.ca -
Ontario: Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario serves as the collective voice for construction workers in Ontario.
Website: ontariobuildingtrades.comPBCTCOntario -
Quebec: Québec Provincial Building Trades Council represents trades workers in Quebec.
Website: cpqmci.orgCanada's Building Trades Unions+1Canada's Building Trades Unions+1 -
Newfoundland & Labrador: Trades NL advocates for building and construction trades in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Website: tradesnl.comCanada's Building Trades Unions+1PBCTCOntario+1 -
Prince Edward Island: P.E.I. Building and Construction Trades Council supports trades professionals in PEI.
Website: Contact via emailCanada's Building Trades Unions+1Canada's Building Trades Unions+1 -
Nova Scotia: Mainland Nova Scotia Building Trades Council represents trades workers in mainland Nova Scotia.
Website: Contact via emailCanada's Building Trades Unions -
Yukon: Whitehorse & District Building Trades Council supports trades professionals in the Yukon.
Website: Contact via email
National Organizations
Skilled Trades Ontario
The provincial authority overseeing apprenticeship programs and trade certifications in Ontario.
Website: skilledtradesontario.caSkills/Compétences Canada
A national organization promoting careers in skilled trades and technologies to Canadian youth through competitions and educational programs.
Website: skillscompetencescanada.comCanadian Trade Index (CTI)
A comprehensive directory for sourcing industrial products and services across Canada.
Website: ctidirectory.comCanadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA)
Represents the residential construction industry, including builders, renovators, and developers.
Website: chba.caWikipediaCanadian Union of Skilled Workers (CUSW)
A union representing skilled trades workers, focusing on flexibility and member empowerment.
Website: cusw.caCanada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU)
The national voice for over 600,000 skilled trades workers across Canada, representing 14 international unions in more than 60 trades.
Website: buildingtrades.caBC Building Trades+2Canada's Building Trades Unions+2Canada's Building Trades Unions+2Skilled Trades Industry Links
A comprehensive directory of skilled trades organizations and resources across Canada.
Website: goskilledtrades.comSkilled Trade Organizations and Associations
A collection of organizations supporting various skilled trades, providing resources and support for professionals.
Website: careerfoundation.com
Trade-Specific Associations
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Canadian Construction Association (CCA)
National association representing Canada's construction industry.
Website: cca-acc.comimmigration.rstm.com+1Wikipedia+1 -
Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH)
Represents manufacturers and wholesalers in the plumbing and heating industry.
Website: ciph.comimmigration.rstm.com -
Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC)
National association for mechanical contractors, focusing on plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
Website: mcac.caimmigration.rstm.com -
Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB)
Provides certification and training for welding professionals and companies.
Website: cwbgroup.orgimmigration.rstm.com -
Canadian Electrical Contractors Association (CECA)
Represents electrical contractors across Canada, offering advocacy and resources.
Website: ceca.org -
Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA)
Represents the residential construction industry across Canada.
Website: chba.ca -
Mechanical Contractors Association of Alberta (MCAA)
Supports mechanical contractors, including plumbing and pipe trades.
Website: mca-ab.comAlberta Labour -
Sheet Metal Contractors Association of Alberta (SMACNA-AB)
Advocates for the HVAC industry in Alberta.
Website: smacna-ab.caAlberta Labour -
Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI)
Represents HVACR industry professionals across Canada.
Website: hrai.caAlberta Labour+1Canada's Building Trades Unions+1 -
Alberta Roofing Contractors Association (ARCA)
Develops guidelines and supports Alberta’s roofing industry.
Website: arcaonline.ca
