Why You Should Study a Trade in Canada

AUG 21, 2020

NICKY VAN ZYL

If it’s a Canadian qualification you’re after you won’t regret studying a trade in Canada. Trade jobs have been some of the hardest positions to fill throughout the country. The reason for this is because there are simply not enough qualified workers to perform important hands-on work that is absolutely crucial in many industries - industrial, construction, motive, and service. Who would have guessed that a certified plumber would be just as in-demand as a computer programmer in 2020? Due to the high demand and low competition, you can expect to earn a generous salary too. Trade workers in Canada can earn anything from $57, 506 - $85, 259 annually, or $29, 49 per hour depending on years of work experience. That is well above the national average! Find out how you can study a trade in Canada for a long and successful career here.

Top 3 Reasons to Study in Canada

1. It’s Affordable

Everyone wants to be able to boast with an international qualification obtained from a world-class country. However, most people are quick to reject the idea of studying abroad because they think it’s too expensive. Compared to the USA and Australia, Canada offers far more affordable study programs. For example, Canada has certified plumbing courses from $1,250 - $3,000 and an Associate's Degree in Plumbing Technology from $3, 000 - $23, 000. There is a study program for every type of budget in Canada.

2. Work While You Study

With a Canadian work permit, you’ll be allowed to work off-campus for up to 20 hours a week, and full-time during scheduled breaks. This allows you the freedom to find an apprenticeship program offered by a company that would like to invest in your talent, paving the way for a permanent future in Canada.

3. Employment Opportunities

There are thousands of available trade jobs throughout Canada in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal due to the fact that most Canadians are employed in professional positions. There has been a big drop in high-school graduates who pursue trade professions, creating a gap in the market and at the same time, creating opportunities for trade workers from overseas to immigrate to Canada. In fact, it’s even easier to become a Canadian permanent resident after you have studied in Canada.

Where to Study a Trade in Canada?

There are many colleges and vocational schools in Canada that offer excellent trade programs. Whether you’re interested in becoming an automotive service technician, beauty therapist, certified electrician, or heavy equipment operator - there is a trade program with your name on it. It’s important to know that only certain post-secondary schools in Canada enroll international students - they are known as Designated Learning Institutions (DLI). You can study a trade-in Canada at any one of the DLI’s below:

Trade Schools in Canada
Trade Colleges	Location
Automotive Training Centre	Toronto, Ontario
Ontario College of Health and Technology	Toronto, Ontario
Ontario Truck Driving School	London, Ontario
Algonquin College	Perth, Ontario
Academy of Excellence Hair Design & Aesthetics Ltd.	Victoria, British Columbia
Canada Aviation Academy	Pitt Meadows, British Columbia
Sprottshaw College	Vancouver, British Columbia
Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology	Winnipeg, Manitoba
Red River College	Winnipeg, Manitoba
Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology	Calgary, Alberta
Lethbridge College	Lethbridge, Alberta
East Coast Trades College	Fredericton, New Brunswick
LaFrance School of Hair Design	Grand Falls, New Brunswick
Cumberland, College	Tisdale, Saskatchewan
Parkland, College	Yorkton, Saskatchewan

How to Study a Trade in Canada?

You need a student permit to study a trade in Canada. A study permit is valid for the duration of your study program. However, you may be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit once you have received your certificate of qualification in Canada.

Step 1: Enroll at a Trade College or Vocational Centre

You need to enroll at a designated learning institution before you can apply for a study permit in Canada. When you enroll at a DLI and are accepted for a study program, you’ll be given a letter of acceptance which is a required document when you apply for your study permit.

Step 2: Choose Your DLI Wisely

If you would like the option to stay and work in Canada after completing your study program, you should be aware that not every program offered by every DLI makes you eligible for postgraduate visa options. In fact, to be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit, you must enroll at DLI that offers PGWP eligible trade programs. Additionally, ensure that you choose a study program that:

Led to a trade diploma or certificate;
Was at least 8 months long.

Step 3: Apply for a Student Permit

Once you’ve successfully enrolled at a DLI in Canada and have a letter of acceptance, along with other required documents, you can apply for a student permit. A Canadian student permit allows you to study at a designated college in Canada, but it does not allow you to enter a country as a visa does. However, when you apply for a student permit and your application is approved, you’ll be issued a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) depending on your country of residence.

Student Direct Stream

The processing times for student permits vary from country to country and depend on whether you're applying from inside or outside of Canada. For example, students applying from Brazil or the USA can wait up to 20 weeks for the government to process their application. However, if you live in China, India, Morocco, Pakistan, the Philippines, Senegal, or Vietnam, you may be able to get your study permit within 20 calendar days through the Student Direct Stream. These countries have an agreement with Canada that allows for faster processing times!

Your Future in Canada Starts Here

If you are ready to study trade in Canada, we can help you through this process. MDC is a certified visa and immigration agency with a team of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) and student advisors who know what it takes to have a successful visa application! Our team of professionals will be able to help you find a DLI that offers a trade course you’re interested in pursuing and assist you with the enrolment process. Furthermore, our RCICs will take care of your visa application forms and advise you every step of the way until you safely arrive in Canada. Simply fill in the contact form below, and one of our friendly agents will get in touch with you to explain the way forward.

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