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Which trades are unregulated or have voluntary certification in Ontario?

For some trades, you are not obliged to have a Certificate of Qualification to work in Ontario. However, employers and unions might ask for "voluntary certification."

There are more than 100 trades with voluntary certification in Ontario. These are some:

Air-Cooled and Marine Engine Mechanic
Arborist
Assistant Cook
Automotive Machinist
Automotive Painter
Baker
Boat Motor Mechanic
Brick and Stone Mason
Cement Mason
Construction Boilermaker
Construction Millwright
Cook
Electronics Service Technician
Farm Equipment Mechanic
Fitter (Structural Steel / Platework)
General Machinist
Glazier and Metal Mechanic
Nursery Greenhouse Worker
Industrial Electrician
Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)
Industrial Woodworker
Ironworker
Junior Baker
Lather
Marine and Small-Powered Equipment Mechanic
Mould maker
Painter and Decorator (Commercial and Residential)
Painter and Decorator (Industrial)
Patissier
Pattern Maker
Printer
Small Engine Technician
Sprinkler and Fire Protection Installer
Tool and Die Maker

For a complete list, go to the Skilled Trades Ontario website.

See a list of trades with mandatory certification.

For More Information

Working in Ontario - Information about getting licensed in your profession or trade, bridging programs, credential assessment and more. From the Government of Ontario website.
Pathways to Apprenticeship - Ontario - Information on the Province of Ontario's Apprenticeship programs.
Apprenticeship Incentive Grant - A taxable cash grant available to registered apprentices after you have successfully completed your first or second year (level) of an apprenticeship program in an eligible trade. From the Government of Canada.
Job Bank - Use this tool to find job postings and labour market information. From the Government of Canada.
Ontario’s Labour Market - Labour market information and statistics can help you plan your career. Learn more about work trends and the skills, education and training you need for jobs today and in the future.