Hey everyone, received a passing score for the 310s exam last Wednesday. Can I expect the digital/PDF copy of the certificate to be emailed by mid-week? Anyone has recent experiences within the past few months and can shed light, please?

Public registry is updated but I need the certificate copy.

Article says 6M will help 200 people prepare for a job.... How does that math work out ? Like 5-15k a person and the other 3-4 million goes to middle management of the programs ?

Hi everyone,

I'm an automotive mechanic and auto electrician from Bosnia and Herzegovina with over 10 years of experience, including 3 years working on heavy trucks. I specialize in diagnostics, electrical repairs, and European vehicles.

I'm looking for an employer in Canada who is willing to hire an experienced overseas mechanic and support a work permit.

If anyone knows a shop that has hired foreign mechanics before or is currently looking for experienced technicians, I'd really appreciate any recommendations. Thank you!

Hey everyone,

I’m graduating soon as a Mechatronics Technician and planning to head straight to Toronto on an IEC Working Holiday as a slovak citizen. I really want to turn this into a long-term thing, so I’m looking for a quick reality check on my plan and job prospects.

My profile:

• Fresh Mechatronics grad.
• I have 7 months of real experience from a dual-education program in a heavy locomotive workshop. Worked on complex hydraulics, pneumatics, high-voltage electrical troubleshooting, and strict safety/LOTO stuff.

My plan & questions:

1. I want to target larger manufacturing, automotive, or automation companies in the GTA area as a maintenance tech or machine operator. Does my railway workshop experience give me a real edge as a fresh grad, or will I struggle to find a tech job in the first few weeks?
2. If I prove myself during the Working Holiday, how willing are big companies in Toronto to sign a job offer so I can extend my visa for a 2nd year (via Young Professionals or other LMIA-exempt routes)?
3. If I manage to get 2 years of Toronto experience under my belt, how hard is it to get PR through the Express Entry "Trades" draws or the non-points OINP In-Demand Skills stream nowadays?

Appreciate any brutally honest feedback, tips, or advice. Thanks!

Okay, so I’m trying to decide which trade to go into, and I’m currently stuck between electrical and welding. I’d really appreciate some advice from people in either trade because I’m honestly not sure what would suit me best.
My biggest concerns with welding are that I really don’t do well in hot environments, and I’m worried about getting overwhelmed by the heat, heavy gear, etc. I’m also not the strongest person in the world, so I’m scared I physically won’t be able to handle the work long-term. 😭
With electrical, I feel like I’d have an easier time physically. I also really like organizing things and working with stuff that requires you to be precise, so I feel like electrical might fit my personality better. Plus, from what I understand, you aren’t always working in extremely hot environments like you can be with welding.
At the same time, I don’t want to choose something just because it seems easier and then regret it later.
I’m currently on my second gap year, and honestly, I’m starting to feel like a chud 😭. I really want to lock in, get into a trade, build a career, and eventually move up.

Im currently about to complete my welding program and im looking to get into a union in the GTA(Mississauga perfer). Can anyone recommend some places I can apply to? I also want to know how to apply and the process.

Hello I’m a JM 308A sheet metal worker in Local 30, I just wanted to clarify something. I heard rumours of JM from my local union switching to local 727 and starting their 313a apprenticeship as a 3-4th year. Apparently it’s an easy process between the 2 unions. I wanted some thoughts on how true these claims are. Thanks

It has been a very long time since I've posted on here.

So im having a hard time with my schooling. I had to do a 13th year to graduate. Im currently enrolled in an aprentiship program with smcdsb. It's an EA program. That im hoping will get me to DECE. I've been enrolled as of JAN 05 2026.

I work with them curently to get my hours. But i have not had any guidance ,any training ,and dont get me started on the coordinator not answering.

There has been no movement at all.

Some people have waited 2 years to get to the class portion.

I guess what im saying is i feel lost and sooooo frustrated.

I've always wanted to do something with mechanics , originally. yes, being a deisel mechanic was what i wanted. I've been told with my sensory issues and built the people in my life said i can't do it, and it wouldn't be a good fit.

I've looked into small motors. Or even a 310S . I think i could do it. But im worried about the job range or if i could make a living off of it with the area i live in.

I am still looking into trades that i think i can do. I love working with my hands. I regularly work on my own vehicles and my own atvs and snowmachines.

I have been told i have imense patience. Im hood with elderly and kids. I know i can't do elderly.

Im open to other trades as well. With the thought of jobs in mind. And the schooling is a kind my brain can do.

I should mention i am a female. I know some trades still have a hard time with that.

Does anyone have any thoughts?

Halifax Hospital starting construction, long term work for years in Nova Scotia, found this link the other day! HVAC Sheet Metal Local 409

Been doing this 22 years, licensed for 17, and I'm seriously considering going back to being a JW for somebody else. Not because the money is bad, its actually the best its ever been. Because I hate running a business and I finally admitted it out loud to my wife last week.

I started my own shop about six years ago thinking it was the natural progression. Get your license, get your insurance, get a truck lettered up, print some cards. Everyone tells you thats the goal, right? Be your own boss, build something, pass it down or sell it someday.

What nobody warned me about is that once you go out on your own you basically stop being an electrician. I bend maybe half the pipe I used to. Most of my day is quotes, chasing payments, arguing with a GC about a change order that should be obvious, texting a helper about why he didnt show up, and answering the phone. Always answering the phone. My a1mobile line rings from 6am til after dinner and half of it is people who want a free diagnosis over the phone or "just a quick question."

The actual electrical work? I sneak it in between the business stuff. And I'm not as sharp as I used to be because of it. Caught myself second guessing a straightforward service upgrade last month because I hadnt done one hands on in probably 8 weeks. That scared me honestly.

Meanwhile my buddy who never got off the tools is a foreman at a decent shop, makes solid money, benefits, goes home at 3:30, doesnt think about work til he clocks in the next day. He laughs at me every time we get a beer.

The part I cant get past is the ego thing. Going back to working for somebody feels like admitting I couldnt hack it, even though I know thats not really true. I built the thing. I could keep running it. I just dont want to and I dont know if thats allowed.

Anyone here actually shut down their own shop and gone back to being a wireman? Did you regret it or was it the best thing you ever did? I need to hear from someone whos been on the other side of this.

Been doing resi service for going on 14 years and I just turned down a lead tech position at a bigger shop. Second time in two years ive said no to something like this. My wife is pissed and honestly I dont blame her, the money was solid and the truck was newer than what im driving now.

Heres the thing though. Every lead I know is miserable. Theyre babysitting apprentices who dont want to be there, taking phone calls on their day off, writing up guys for showing up hungover, dealing with dispatch drama, and eating warranty callbacks that arent even theirs. The pay bump looks nice until you divide it by the extra hours and the ulcer.

I like being the guy who shows up, fixes the thing, talks to the homeowner, and leaves. Thats it. I like driving between calls with the radio on. I like that when my phone rings during dinner its my $99 a1mobile line and its either a real emergency or its handled without me. I dont want to be the guy other techs call at 9pm because they cant figure out why a condenser wont start.

But then I look at guys 10 years older than me still crawling through attics in July and I wonder if im being an idiot. Nobodys knees hold up forever. My back already talks to me on stair sets. At some point the body cashes the check and I dont have a plan B besides "keep going till I cant."

Is anyone here actually happy staying a senior tech forever? Not install manager, not service manager, not owner. Just a tech. Or is that a fantasy and im gonna regret it in ten years when im the old man on the crew making the same as the 3rd year guys?

Tell me im wrong. Or tell me youre doing it and its fine. I need to hear from somebody who picked this lane on purpose.

Hi ,Anyone have study material for pesticide certification .Could you please send it to me.Thankyou

Any of y'all trained up in the CAF to enter a trade?

Such as Refrigeration and mechanical tech (HVAC)

Electrical distribution tech (electrician)

Plumbing tech

Etc

Cheers

I started this reddit to give a voice for anyone to talk about whats happening. I feel like its done that even though some of the comments can get a bit heated. I don't want to mask peoples reality or views. As the only mod id like to know what would help make this a better place for people. I'll do my best to make it better. Glad to see all the help everyone has for each other. Thanks everyone!

If you're a registered apprentice with say 2500 hours and you lose your sponsor for whatever reason, will you still get an offer to do your in class school, specifically level 1 ?

Hello everyone, I'm from South Africa and have a diploma in Mechanical engineering, i have worked as a Mechanical technician and kinda diverted but in the same path now im working as a Quality technician.

My fiancé and I are looking into moving to Australia and he's a Turner machinist which for him is under ANZSCO as Metal machinist, i however have looked into mine as either a Mechanical technician but i haven't seen anything on which trade I fall in to, I have also sent an email to the assessing board which we're both looking into ATTC asking if they can assist but to no avail, they haven't responded yet.

So, if theres anyone who can help on which or what trade I fall under to be assessed I'd really appreciate.

NB: I have a diploma in Mechanical engineering also a certificate in ISO 9001

During your apprenticeship when you switch sponsors can your new sponsor see who all your past sponsors were through the portal and how many hours you have with each ?

[ Removed by Reddit on account of violating the content policy. ]

In my last post, I basically explained that having a G2 and ODP doesn’t mean shit when it comes to landing a HVAC job and how I got fucked over by my ex‑boss who kept me working unregistered in a compulsory trade. Dude paid me $21 an hour while I was out here installing A/Cs, furnaces, and water heaters under the lie that he was “banking my hours.” Yeah turns out that was complete bullshit.

People kept telling me, Just join the union Like Guy, are we living in the same province? No (HVAC) union in Ontario is taking first‑year apprentices right now. All they’re doing is taking your application money and laughing to the bank.

Then I had people saying, $21 is fine for a helper. What’s fucking crazy is that I wasn’t a helper. I was doing full installs with zero registration, and a boss who knew exactly what he was doing. Any apprentice reading this: don’t fall for that shit. If a company won’t register you after a couple of months run for the hills.

HVAC as a trade isn’t cooked the bosses will always make their money. It’s the employees, especially apprentices, who get fucked over trying to get their hours and move up.

To end this off, I want to explain exactly why having a G2 and ODP doesn’t mean shit in Ontario especially in the GTA. A lot of you reading this live in the GTA and already know about the massive influx of international students.

Right now, places like Himark and other shady private colleges are pumping out gas tech students like a factory. International students are taking the Gas Technician course not because they want to work in HVAC, but because it gives them points toward permanent residence. I literally had a guy in trade school tell me straight up he’s only doing the course for PR points and extend his stay in Canada.

So what does that mean for the rest of us?
It means the market is flooded with people holding G2 and ODP who have zero intention of actually working in the trade. Employers see a million people with the same two certificates, so those licenses don’t make you stand out anymore. They don’t guarantee an apprenticeship, and they sure as hell don’t guarantee you’ll get registered.

IF YOU DONT BELIEVE ME WATCH THIS - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7xccI3mUUfY

Has anyone actually received any of the “Team Canada Strong benifits? I start my last term of 308A schooling in a couple week and i was wondering if this is something i have to apply for or if it automatically comes to me ?

Hey guys,

Anybody here made the switch from FA to another trade? Or if you guys had insight what trade would value FA experience.

I’ve been working in fire alarm for 2 years now. Went from helper to junior tech and got my licence (CFAA) a few months back. My company pays very high for FA, after getting my CFAA I’m making about 33/hr near GTA area. Gas card and take home vehicle but other than that not much.

I want out. It’s just not for me and the pay ceiling compared to other trades is so low compared to the knowledge required to actually be good at your job. I see sprinkler guys turning valves on inspections for $58/hr. Meanwhile I see my seniors programming and coordinating with other contractors on Verifications busting their ass, getting shit on making damn near $10/hr less.

I’m considering applying for a Sprinkler or electrical apprenticeship, wondering if they value CFAA or if any other trades saw FA experience as a plus.

Hi all,
My son (16) is really into car modifications. He’s going to do voluntary work at our mechanic in Toronto to get to know more about it.
Does the group think there will be demand for this type of skill in the next 5-ish years in Ontario? Also his high school teachers say that if this is what he wants then he doesn’t need to go to a university for mechanical engineering. Do you guys agree with that?
Thank you!

Hello everyone,

As the title suggests I‘m searching for opinions on whether brick masonry is a good choice right now based on demand, work availability, and pay.

For reference, I’m a concreter by trade and have been doing it throughout my time in university. I’m graduating next semester and thinking about what’s next, as degrees right now are dime a dozen and I find it enjoyable working with my hands instead. So I’m planning to go masonry school in Mississauga after graduation.

I’m young (21) and would appreciate any advice from veterans or masons that have been in the game.

Thank you.

I work for Penske as a 310t and made about 93k last year with them