By 2028, Canada loses roughly 700,000 tradespeople to retirement. We finance the international talent stepping in to build what comes next.
Projected retirements from Canadian skilled trades by 2028*
Source: Government of Canada, projected retirements in the skilled trades (2022–2028).
Three forces — demographic, economic, policy — are pushing Canada to actively import skilled talent. Here is the shape of the opening.
Ottawa and the provinces back the skilled trades with more than a billion dollars annually in training, apprenticeships, and wage subsidies — the tailwind behind every program we finance.
Source · Government of CanadaCertified tradespeople earn a strong, stable wage with overtime, union premiums, and specialization premiums on top. In the high-demand trades, experienced earnings regularly cross six figures.
Source · Job Bank CanadaBy 2028, nearly one in six new job openings in Canada will be in the skilled trades — driven by a retirement wave of roughly 700,000 workers and a national push to build more housing.
Source · Government of CanadaA few of the most popular trades — every program we match you to qualifies for Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit pathway. Pick the one that matches your hands-on strengths.
Plan, estimate, and run the numbers behind residential, commercial, and civil builds.
Wire, maintain, and upgrade electrical systems on jobs across housing, industry, and clean energy.
Install and service piping, heating, and water systems — one of Canada's most-in-demand trades.
Join and shape metal for construction, manufacturing, oil & gas, and infrastructure.
Keep buildings comfortable and efficient — a front-line role in Canada's energy-transition push.
Diagnose and repair modern vehicles, including EV and hybrid systems.
Frame, finish, and fit-out residential and commercial spaces across Canada's housing boom.
Install and maintain the heavy machinery that runs Canada's factories and refineries.
Programs shown are representative. Exact partner schools, intakes, and credentials vary by intake and province. Many trades careers continue into a paid apprenticeship phase after your college credential — that’s on-the-job work, not financed study.
Pick a role and a province to see a realistic median. Overtime, union premiums, and specialization add to this — the number below is a conservative starting point.
Median earnings for a Electrician in Ontario. Based on Job Bank hourly wage data, calculated over a standard work year.
Estimates only. Actual earnings depend on certification, employer, hours, overtime, and regional demand. This tool is for informational purposes and should not be relied upon as financial advice.
I found Passage’s transparency valuable, particularly for where I’m coming from. They are always forthcoming with information, and when they don’t have an answer, they connect you with someone who does. They treat you as an individual rather than just another statistic.
Four phases. One team. We tell you what’s next at every step so nothing falls through the cracks.
Map what you want to study with the careers Canada actually needs by sector and region.
Submit your application and our team will screen your documents and work with partner colleges for your offer letter.
We review your credit profile and secure your seat the moment your cash collateral comes through.
We connect you with independent RCIC-licensed professionals who handle the legal work.
* Referrals are made to independent RCIC-licensed professionals. Passage does not provide immigration advice or services.
Check eligibilityStill wondering about something specific to trades? Our team replies in plain English within one business day.
We fund PGWP-aligned college diplomas and apprenticeship-combined programs across construction engineering, electrical, plumbing, welding, HVAC, automotive, carpentry, and millwright trades at partner institutions across Canada. Final program options depend on your profile, preferred province, and intake.
Check your eligibility for top Canadian study programs and see if you qualify for a Passage loan.