Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 14, 2026

Compulsory trade

In Canada, a compulsory trade is a skilled trade that requires government certification of those engaged in the trade. In general, a formal training program such as an apprenticeship is required, and a practitioner must be certified as a journeyperson prior to licensure. Conversely, a voluntary trade is a trade where a certification or license is not required to practise.

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Jun 14, 2026
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In Canada, a compulsory trade is a skilled trade that requires government certification of those engaged in the trade. In general, a formal training program such as an apprenticeship is required, and a practitioner must be certified as a journeyperson prior to licensure. Conversely, a voluntary trade is a trade where a certification or license is not required to practise.1

In Ontario, for example, there are 23 skilled trades that are designated "compulsory" as of July 2021.2

References

References

  1. "What's a Trade?". Tradesecrets. Apprenticeship and Industry Training - Province of Alberta. Archived from the original on 2018-03-25. Retrieved 2018-03-24.
  2. "Trades in Ontario". Ontario College of Trades. Archived from the original on 2021-07-22. Retrieved 2022-04-14.