Canada has always been welcoming to skilled tradespeople and foreign workers who has work experience in one of the skilled trade occupations lists. Canada has different PR programs for skilled tradespersons, from Federal Skilled Trade Programs in Express Entry to many different PNP programs such as Ontario’s Express Entry: Skilled Trade program.
According to NOC representation, Canada has about 70 different Skilled trade occupations categorized, however, in their latest category based allocation for Skilled trade NOCs, they have allocated 10 skilled trade occupations which will be invited under targeted Express Entry draw for category-based selection.
Trade Occupations List for Targeted Express Entry Draw
Below is the list of targeted express entry draw for 10 trade occupations lists:
- 72014 – Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers
- 73200 – Residential and commercial installers and servicers
- 72200 – Electricians (except industrial and power system)
- 72400 – Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
- 72106 – Welders and related machine operators
- 72406 – Elevator constructors and mechanics
- 72300 – Plumbers
- 72402 – Heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning mechanics
- 72310 – Carpenters
- 72405 – Machine fitters
1. NOC 72014 – Contractors and Supervisors, Other Construction Trades, Installers, Repairers and Servicers
Contractors and supervisors oversee and coordinate the activities of workers in different construction projects and services, managing schedules, budgets, and ensuring quality standards are met. Canada is in huge need for these professionals to efficiently manage construction projects, supporting upcoming development and infrastructure maintenance projects.
| Job Titles | Job Titles |
|---|---|
| Electrical Contractors Supervisor | Plumbing Supervisor |
| Construction Supervisor | Heating and Air Conditioning Supervisor |
| Painting Supervisor | Carpentry Supervisor |
| Roofing Supervisor | Flooring Supervisor |
| Glazing Supervisor | Landscaping Supervisor |
| Home Renovation Supervisor |
Job Duties:
- Supervise, coordinate, and schedule the activities of workers in various trades.
- Establish methods to meet work schedules and coordinate work activities with other departments or contractors.
- Resolve work problems and recommend measures to improve productivity and product quality.
- Requisition materials and supplies.
- Train or arrange for training of workers.
- Ensure standards for safe working conditions are observed.
- Prepare work progress reports.
- Manage and supervise the work site to ensure compliance with building codes and safety regulations.
- Coordinate with clients, suppliers, and inspectors to complete projects efficiently.
2. NOC 73200 – Residential and Commercial Installers and Servicers
This Job occupation includes workers who install, maintain, and repair a variety of residential and commercial products such as appliances, windows, and HVAC systems. Since the heavy reliance on these professionals to ensure homes and businesses are equipped with essential installations and services, for better living canada continues to add this NOC in trade occupations list.
| Job Titles | Job Titles |
|---|---|
| Appliance Servicer | Window Installer |
| Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic | Fence Installer |
| Garage Door Installer | Security Systems Installer |
| Solar Panel Installer | Pool and Spa Installer |
| Sign Installer | Insulation Installer |
| Awning Installer |
Job Duties:
- Read blueprints or work order specifications to determine layout and installation procedures.
- Install, repair, and service a variety of residential and commercial products.
- Utilize hand and power tools to complete tasks.
- Inspect and test systems and equipment to ensure they are in working order.
- Perform scheduled maintenance service on equipment.
- Diagnose and locate malfunctions in systems and equipment.
- Measure and lay out reference points for installations.
- Adhere to safety guidelines and building codes.
- Provide customer service and instruction on product use and maintenance.
3. NOC 72200 – Electricians (Except Industrial and Power System)
Electricians are the people who install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, excluding industrial and power systems. The need for safe and reliable electrical infrastructure in new and existing buildings and homes makes Electricians one of the top Occupations in trade sector.
| Job Titles | Job Titles |
|---|---|
| Construction Electrician | Maintenance Electrician |
| Residential Electrician | Journeyman Electrician |
| Apprentice Electrician | Electrical Contractor |
| Electrical Wiring Installer | Electrical Systems Technician |
| Marine Electrician | Commercial Electrician |
| Lighting Electrician |
Job Duties:
- Read and interpret drawings, circuit diagrams, and electrical code specifications.
- Install, examine, replace, or repair electrical wiring, receptacles, switch boxes, conduits, feeders, fiber-optic and coaxial cable assemblies, lighting fixtures, and other electrical components.
- Test electrical and electronic equipment and components for continuity, current, voltage, and resistance.
- Troubleshoot and isolate faults in electrical and electronic systems and remove and replace faulty components.
- Connect electrical power to audio and visual communication equipment, signaling devices, and heating and cooling systems.
- Conduct preventive maintenance programs and keep maintenance records.
- Install data cabling for computer networks.
- Ensure all installations comply with the electrical code.
- Mentor and train apprentices.
4. NOC 72400 – Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics
Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics install, maintain, and repair industrial machinery and heavy equipment. Canada needs these skilled workers to ensure that the country’s manufacturing and processing sectors operate efficiently, supporting economic growth and productivity.
| Job Titles | Job Titles |
|---|---|
| Construction Millwright | Industrial Mechanic |
| Maintenance Millwright | Machinery Erector |
| Heavy Equipment Mechanic | Millwright Apprentice |
| Mechanical Maintenance Technician | Plant Maintenance Mechanic |
| Precision Millwright | Hydraulics Mechanic |
| Conveyor Mechanic |
Job Duties:
- Install, align, dismantle, and move stationary industrial machinery and mechanical equipment.
- Operate hoisting and lifting devices to position machinery and parts during the installation, setup, and repair of machinery.
- Inspect and examine machinery and equipment to detect and find irregularities and malfunctions.
- Install, troubleshoot, and maintain power transmission, vacuum, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and programmable logic controls.
- Adjust machinery and repair or replace defective parts.
- Operate machine tools such as lathes and grinders to fabricate parts required during overhaul, maintenance, or setup of machinery.
- Clean, lubricate, and perform other routine maintenance work on machinery.
- Assemble machinery and equipment prior to installation using hand and power tools and welding equipment.
- Mentor and supervise apprentices.
5. NOC 72106 – Welders and Related Machine Operators
Welders and related machine operators use welding, brazing, and cutting equipment to work on metal parts for either joining them or to cut them. Canada’s construction and manufacturing industries have been rising for the last couple of years and that creates huge need for Welders and other machine related workers.
| Job Titles | Job Titles |
|---|---|
| Welder | Welding Machine Operator |
| Arc Welder | MIG Welder |
| TIG Welder | Production Welder |
| Welder-Fitter | Spot Welder |
| Welding Inspector | Robotic Welding Technician |
| Pipe Welder |
Job Duties:
- Read and interpret welding blueprints, drawings, specifications, manuals, and processes.
- Operate manual or semi-automatic welding equipment to fuse metal segments.
- Operate manual or semi-automatic flame-cutting equipment.
- Operate brazing and soldering equipment.
- Operate metal shaping machines such as brakes, shears, and other metal straightening and bending machines.
- Repair worn parts of metal products by welding on extra layers.
- Inspect welded joints and ensure they meet standards and specifications.
- Maintain and perform minor repairs on welding, brazing, and soldering equipment.
- Set up and operate welding robots and other automated welding systems.
6. NOC 72406 – Elevator Constructors and Mechanics
Elevator constructors and mechanics install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, and other lifting equipment. Canada needs these professionals to ensure the safety and reliability of vertical transportation systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, supporting accessibility and efficient building operations.
| Job Titles | Job Titles |
|---|---|
| Elevator Mechanic | Elevator Installer |
| Escalator Mechanic | Elevator Repair Technician |
| Elevator Constructor | Lift Mechanic |
| Escalator Installer |
Job Duties:
- Read and interpret blueprints to determine layout and installation procedures.
- Install, assemble, and test elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lift systems.
- Conduct preventive maintenance on elevators and escalators, including lubrication and adjustments.
- Troubleshoot and diagnose malfunctioning systems to identify issues.
- Repair or replace defective components such as wiring, motors, and control systems.
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations and building codes.
- Keep accurate maintenance records and write reports on repairs and installations.
7. NOC 72300 – Plumbers
Plumbers install, repair, and maintain piping systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. To make sure that country and all places have safe and efficient water supply, drainage, and heating systems, which are crucial for public health and society functioning, Plumbers are always included in trade occupation list.
| Job Titles | Job Titles |
|---|---|
| Plumber | Pipefitter |
| Residential Plumber | Commercial Plumber |
| Maintenance Plumber | Journeyman Plumber |
| Apprentice Plumber | Plumbing Installer |
| Plumbing Contractor |
Job Duties:
- Read blueprints, drawings, and specifications to determine layout of plumbing systems.
- Install, repair, and maintain piping systems for water, steam, air, and other fluids.
- Cut, bend, and thread pipes using hand and power tools.
- Test pipes for leaks using air and water pressure gauges.
- Install fixtures such as sinks, toilets, and bathtubs.
- Repair and maintain water treatment equipment, piping, and controls.
- Adhere to safety standards and building codes.
- Provide estimates and consult with clients regarding plumbing needs.
8. NOC 72402 – Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Mechanics
These mechanics install, maintain, and repair heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems. Canada needs these experts to provide comfortable and safe indoor environments across various climates and seasons, contributing to energy efficiency and environmental control in buildings.
| Job Titles | Job Titles |
|---|---|
| HVAC Mechanic | Refrigeration Mechanic |
| Air Conditioning Technician | Heating Technician |
| HVAC Installer | HVAC Service Technician |
| HVAC Maintenance Technician | Refrigeration Technician |
| Climate Control Technician |
Job Duties:
- Read and interpret blueprints and technical diagrams to install HVAC systems.
- Install, troubleshoot, and repair heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems.
- Perform routine maintenance on HVAC systems, including cleaning and replacing filters.
- Inspect and test HVAC systems to ensure they operate efficiently and safely.
- Diagnose and repair faults in HVAC systems and controls.
- Adjust system controls to optimize performance and efficiency.
- Maintain records of repairs and installations.
- Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
9. NOC 72310 – Carpenters
Carpenters construct, install, and repair structures and fixtures made of wood and other materials. Carpenters are in greater demand for building and renovating homes, commercial spaces, and infrastructure, supporting the construction industry and overall economic development.
| Job Titles | Job Titles |
|---|---|
| Carpenter | Finish Carpenter |
| Rough Carpenter | Framer |
| Cabinetmaker | Joiner |
| Trim Carpenter | Residential Carpenter |
| Commercial Carpenter | Carpentry Contractor |
Job Duties:
- Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and specifications to determine project requirements.
- Measure, cut, shape, assemble, and join materials made of wood, wood substitutes, lightweight steel, and other materials.
- Build foundations, install floor beams, lay subflooring, and erect walls and roof systems.
- Fit and install trim, doors, stairs, moulding, and hardware.
- Construct and install cabinetry, furniture, and fixtures.
- Maintain, repair, and renovate structures and fixtures.
- Use hand and power tools safely and efficiently.
5. NOC 72405 – Machine Fitters
Machine fitters assemble, install, and maintain machinery and mechanical equipment. Machine Fitters are always in demand and in trade occupation list to ensure that industrial and manufacturing processes operate smoothly and efficiently, supporting the country’s production capabilities and technological advancements.
| Job Titles | Job Titles |
|---|---|
| Machine Fitter | Mechanical Fitter |
| Machinery Assembler | Industrial Mechanic |
| Equipment Installer | Maintenance Fitter |
| Precision Fitter | Assembly Technician |
| Mechanical Technician | Machine Assembly Fitter |
Job Duties:
- Read and interpret blueprints, diagrams, and technical instructions for assembly and installation.
- Assemble machinery and mechanical equipment according to specifications.
- Fit and assemble components using hand tools, power tools, and precision instruments.
- Install, align, and test machinery to ensure proper operation.
- Perform routine maintenance and repairs on machinery and equipment.
- Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical issues and replace defective parts.
- Adjust machinery settings for optimal performance.
- Maintain detailed records of maintenance and repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the category-based draw?
The category-based draw is the targeted draw in an express entry system that sends invitations to occupations in certain categories only, for example, trade category, french category, Stem Category, or Healthcare or Tech Category.
Generally, CRS scores in these category-based draws are lower than what is in general or regular draws, however, the frequency of these draws is not regular.
When will be the next Trade category-based draw?
The last trade category draw was held on December 19, 2023, and the next trade draw prediction is to be anywhere in the month of may or June 2024. Generally, IRCC conducts 2 draws for one category in a year.
Can these NOCs be changed?
Yes, there are possibilities that these NOCs can be changed anywhere in future, currently, there are 10 occupations, the number can be changed to more or less depending on need and many occupations can be replaced from the list. However, for 2024 the list remains to be the same. You can check the most in demand occupations of Ontario to know more what jobs are in demand as of 2024.
