Your Future

Tradespersons who create precision parts and tools for the manufacturing industry are skilled workers whose abilities are in great demand today as Canada’s manufacturers strive to be globally competitive.

Entering a precision machining/tooling apprenticeship can lead to a rewarding career in an industry continually challenged by new technologies, new materials and the rapidly changing market demand for new products.

There are many careers to choose from in this industry, and we’ve put together a Career Booklet to provide you with the different career paths available and how to start your new journey.

You can View the Career Booklet here.

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a pathway to a rewarding career in the trades. As an apprentice, you take classes and learn your trade by working under the direction of experienced workers — and get paid while you do it. For more information on apprenticeships click here!

Why consider a career in Manufacturing?

Manufacturing is a cornerstone of our modern economy. Accounting for approximately $174 billion of our GDP, manufacturing represents more than 10% of Canada’s total GDP. What is more, manufacturers export more than $354 billion each year, representing 68% of all of Canada’s merchandise exports.
All of this adds up to 1.7 million quality full-time, well paying jobs across the country. And, as the sector has modernized, manufacturers have become innovative and high-tech, relying on a highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce that includes designers, researchers, programmers, engineers, technicians and tradespeople.

Manufacturing jobs are plentiful

There are more jobs available in the manufacturing and metal fabrication industries than there are qualified applicants. According to a study, 22% of skilled workers in the manufacturing industry will be retiring over the next 10 years. As a result, that means 374,000 highly-skilled experienced employees are walking out the door. These are positions that can only be filled by skilled labour with the technical aptitude to work in the manufacturing facilities of tomorrow.

Manufacturing is increasingly high-tech

Manufacturing is a broad sector that encompasses everything from the mass production of power trains for vehicles to making small batches of specialized medical equipment. And, due to emerging technologies like 3D printing and robotics, many manufacturing workplaces are fast-paced, innovative settings that are quick to adopt the most cutting-edge high-tech developments.

New skills needed

The environment in the manufacturing facility isn’t the only thing that is transforming, manufacturers are looking for a new skill set from the workforce. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields are extremely hot throughout the manufacturing industry right now. All of this new technology calls for a new kind of manufacturer, one that’s comfortable with advanced technology. Programming industrial robots, working with new software and applications are quickly becoming the most important aspect of the manufacturing enterprise.

Resources for employers and apprentices

The province is helping apprentices by providing grants to purchase tools, protective equipment and clothing for their trade, along with forgiving previous loans to purchase tools. For more information, access the new Online Trades Hub — a new resource for apprentices and employers provided by the Government of Ontario.

Opportunity

Opportunity is an important factor when it comes to choosing a career. Individuals don’t want to be stuck in a dead-end job with no room to grow professionally. Manufacturers are beginning to offer career maps to show employees exactly how and where they can progress through the manufacturing enterprise. Working on the shop floor doesn’t necessary mean that is where an individual will stay throughout their career. Opportunity is everything and the manufacturing industry has plenty of it.

Create something tangible

Unlike the swathes of service industry roles where the fruits of your labour are merely numbers or ideas, working in manufacturing allows you to create something tangible. There’s nothing better than seeing a product develop through the prototype stage and on to production. There’s something truly satisfying about being a part of that process and in getting a product to market. Whether you’re behind the scenes or on the shop floor, you’ll have played an integral role in creating something worthwhile.