Immigrants in Canada’s Skilled Trades: Untapped Talent Amid Growing Demand
We conducted a literature review to understand the current representation of immigrants in the skilled trades and the challenges Canada faces in using skilled trades immigrant talent.
The country faces a growing challenge—the gap between the tradespeople Canada has and the tradespeople its infrastructure plans require is widening. Of the immigrants who arrive with foreign trades experience and the intention to work in the trades, what share actually become certified in their field? How do the economic outcomes of immigrant tradespeople compare with those of other immigrants and their Canadian-born peers? And what promising practices from other sectors could help strengthen certification pathways for immigrants in the skilled trades?
Read the primer for the fuller picture on the topic.
Cette publication est disponible en français.
Highlights
Why skilled trades immigration matters now
Canada’s skilled trades labour shortages
Immigrants in the skilled trades today
Skilled trade immigration pathways
Skilled trade immigrants’ labour market outcomes
Barriers to immigrant participation in the skilled trades
Progress toward fair foreign credential recognition
What’s next
Appendix A: Methodology
Appendix B: Bibliography
