Current projections suggest that more than one fifth of Canada’s skilled tradespeople will retire by 2028. These imminent labour shortages, coupled with booming infrastructure projects meant that skilled workers are set to be in high demand. This means that now is the time to be learning essential skills in one of Canada’s many skilled trades. 

At Passage, we understand the value that international students can bring to skilled trades. We want to help you on your career journey and this is why we offer finance options to help you to access skilled worker programs abroad. 

As a young person from outside of Canada, maybe it is time you capitalise on these labour shortages; a loan from Passage can help you to relocate and upskill. By learning a skilled trade, you can improve your own circumstances whilst providing vital services to the Canadian market - it’s a win-win. 

Why international students are a perfect fit for Canadian trades

According to Statistics Canada, employers are worrying about their ability to recruit skilled workers over the next three months in almost two fifths of all businesses. This trend is led by the construction (49.5%) and manufacturing (47.7%) industries, with accommodation and food services not far behind. 

Now that you know Canada is experiencing a serious shortage of certified, skilled trades workers, you may be wondering whether you are a good fit to help to plug this skills gap. If you are an aspirational international student, hungry for a challenge and keen to reap the rewards of hard work, then the great news is you may just be a perfect fit for Canadian trades!

Benefits of working in a skilled trade in Canada include: 

• Competitive salaries (quick return on initial investments) 
• Rewarding work (building and maintaining a nation) 
• Steady stream of projects available to you long-term 
• Good benefits (for example retirement pay or paid leave)
• Employers usually offer dental, medical and life insurance benefits 
• Opportunity to become your own boss later on if you would like 
• Potential for overtime pay
• Earn valuable transferable skills for life  

At passage we have partnered with Canadian institutions to offer finance options to help you to cover your essential costs. Programs approved by Passage also have the benefit of a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This means that once you successfully complete your program, you will be eligible to work in Canada and put your new skills into practice. 

Top skilled-trades programs by specialization

Electrician 

As a skilled electrician, you will learn to understand, install and fix electrical wiring and electrical components. Electricians are required across a range of services including during construction and maintenance in residential buildings, schools and commercial properties. 

Electrical Techniques (PO758) - Niagara College

• One year program (two semesters) 
• Program level certification
• Location - Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, CA
• Estimated living costs - $20,635
• Estimated tuition fees - C$18,774 
• Eligible for post graduation work permit (PGWP)

Current information from Job Bank puts the median wage for an electrician at $35 an hour in Canada. Wages and demand varies between regions. 

Passage may be able to help with financial support of up to C$39,379.5 to help you study this course.

Carpentry & Renovation 

If you are interested in gaining key skills and hands-on experience in the carpentry and renovation sectors, you may want to consider the following course options:

Carpentry & Renovation Technician (T180) - George Brown College

• Two year program (four semesters) 
• Diploma level certification
• Location - Toronto, Ontario, CA
• Estimated living costs - $20,635
• Estimated tuition fees - C$18,775 
• Eligible for PGWP

According to Job Bank, the median wage for a carpenter ranges from $20 to around $50. Current median wage for a carpenter/ renovation carpenter stands at $30.42.

Interested in learning more? You may be able to get a Passage loan of up to C$58,185 for tuition and expenses whilst you study this course.

Welding & Fabrication

Welding Technician - (PO761) - Niagara College 

Welders play a key role in the manufacturing, engineering and construction sectors. 

• Two year program (four semesters) 
• Diploma level certification
• Location - Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, CA
• Estimated living costs - $20,635
• Estimated tuition fees - C$18,340
• Eligible for post graduation work permit (PGWP)

Job Bank median wage for a welder is currently $29.06, with earnings most lucrative in Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador areas.

To study this course, you may be eligible for a loan of up to C$57,315.09 with Passage.

You will need some specific qualifications for this course, namely mathematics and English - please check whether you satisfy the criteria before you apply. 

HVAC/ Refrigeration 

Interested in learning solid skills in the design, operation and maintenance of environmental systems in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R)? Click on the following courses to find out the role you could play in the design, repair and maintenance of HVAC/R units in the commercial and residential sectors.

Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technician (T160) - George Brown College 

• Two year program (four semesters) 
• Diploma level certification
• Location - Toronto, Ontario, CA
• Estimated living costs - $20,635
• Estimated tuition fees - C$18,625 
• Eligible for post graduation work permit (PGWP)

Median wage for a HVAC technologist is currently $33 an hour, with the potential to earn over $50 an hour in Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador areas.

Mechanics 

Learn to be a speciality machinist and become a skilled craftsperson in precision cutting and grinding techniques that can be used across a range of industries including manufacturing, engineering and automotive. 

Mechanical Techniques - General Machinist (PO754) - Niagara College 

• One year program (two semesters) 
• Certificate - program level
• Location - Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, CA
• Estimated living costs - $20,635
• Estimated tuition fees - C$18,391
• Eligible for post graduation work permit (PGWP)

Job Bank lists the current median wage for a precision machinist in Canada as $29 an hour.

Are you interested in learning how to integrate precision machining methods with cutting-edge modern technology? The following course incorporates classroom learning with a 15 week co-op placement to allow students to gain valuable hands-on skills and put complex theory into practice. 

Mechanical Technician - CNC & Precision Machining - George Brown College 

• Two years program (four semesters) 
• Diploma level certification
• Location - Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, CA
• Estimated living costs - C$20,635
• Estimated tuition fees - C$26,927
• Eligible for post graduation work permit (PGWP)

According to Job Bank, you could earn up to $60 an hour as a qualified mechanical technician.  

Apprenticeships vs. Post-Secondary Certificates: What’s the Difference? 

There are different options for you to study in Canada. Which programs you choose may depend on factors such as your budget, areas of interest and your current highest level of education. 

Some of the programs and credentials in Canada include:

• Post-secondary education (for example diploma)
• Apprenticeship related programs 
• Career, technical or pre-university qualifying program 
• Career, technical or professional training program 

Many of the most popular programs for skilled trades are apprenticeships or post-secondary diploma programs - if you are unfamiliar with the Canadian education system you may be wondering what the difference is.

An apprenticeship is a form of post secondary education that involves a mix of classroom style learning and paid on-the-job, hands-on experience. Apprenticeships can help to prepare you for the workplace and are suited to people who appreciate practical training in addition to instructional training. Apprenticeships are especially beneficial to people to lack real world experience in the workplace.

Another benefit of completing an apprenticeship is the chance to gain the Red Seal endorsement on your trade certificate. The Red Seal Program sets standards for skilled trade workers across Canada and it shows that students have gained the necessary knowledge and skills in their specific trade to work with competence. 

Cost breakdown & typical budget 

When budgeting for your studies, it is important to think about the costs you may incur. This includes your course fees, day to day living costs, daily essentials, fees and any equipment you may need for your studies.

Typical costs may include:

• Application fees (circa C$100-150)
• Tuition fees (these start at around C$18,000)
• Living costs (budget at least C$20,000 for rent, utilities, groceries etc)
• Equipment and tools (varies depending on your course but may include items such as stationery, special tools, uniform, PPE etc)

In 2024, increased financial requirements were introduced for overseas students. Minimum cost of living funds doubled from $10,000 to $20,635 for a single applicant. This means that you have to prove that you can support yourself whilst studying in Canada, in addition to proving that you can pay your tuition fees. Seeing these dollar amounts may seem like a daunting prospect - luckily, Passage student financing is on your side. One loan from us can cover the $20,635 proof-of-funds gap, boosting study-permit success.

In 2025, if you’re applying for a study permit in Canada as a single student, you’ll now need to show at least $22,895 in available funds.

How to finance your skilled trades studies with Passage

We understand that talent and skill is distributed evenly throughout the globe; unfortunately opportunities are not. At Passage, we want to help the workforce of tomorrow break down their financial barriers today. 

We may be able to offer you financing of up to C$65,000 for tuition and living expenses. We match highly skilled individuals to careers that help to address labour shortages, including those in trades. Our loans are affordable, low interest and have no early repayment penalties. 

Now for the best part - due to our AI driven processes, checking your eligibility with Passage takes less than 2 minutes:

1. Start the eligibility check
2. Answer questions including what type of loan you need (for example help with admission, help with tuition, or a loan that covers tuition and living costs)
3. Select where you are in the world and which Canadian college you have applied/will apply to and the name of your program
4. Answer questions related to your visa status
5. Provide your age 
6. Select your relevant educational qualifications and career experience 
7. Tell us how much money you have to fund your full-time studies in Canada 
8. Enter your contact details and allow us to get in touch with our offer

Our loans are simple, our rates competitive for college program. With a Passage loan, you will only start repaying one month after you get enrolled and we will never surprise you with hidden fees or extra costs. 

Watch the success story of a former student here. With the help of Passage, sign up to a program in Canada so that you can tell a similar story one day.

Next steps & resources 

To start your career in a skilled trade in Canada, follow this simple checklist:

1. Decide on your area of interest
2. Do some research into what training programs are available to you
3. Have the relevant documents ready (passport/ID, examination scores, resume etc)
4. Confirm whether you satisfy the admission requirements 
5. Apply for financing with Passage 
6. Submit your student study permit 
7. Get accepted and start your new life as a student in Canada!

Ready to upskill and get working? Check your eligibility in 2 minutes and lock in funding for the next intake!