What's Made in Ontario?
Have you ever made something from scratch and sold it, or earned a little money from something you built or designed?
If you have, congrats! You already think like a manufacturer.
Manufacturing today isn't just about factories and equipment. It's about turning ideas into real products, things people use, share and love. And it's happening right here in Ontario.
Can you spot which products are made right here?
Click through our quick quiz to learn more and find out what's made in your backyard!
Manufacturing today isn't dark, dingy, or dangerous. It’s creative, high-tech, and full of possibilities.
It's all about taking different materials and turning them into something completely new, whether by hand, with advanced machines, or a mix of both. Sure, you probably think of cars, furniture, and windows, but did you know it also includes making things like drum synthesizers, handbags, and hockey sticks? If it's made, manufacturing made it happen.
Across communities, people team up to build companies, create products, and shape the industries that impact our everyday life. Every product tells a story, and every career makes a difference.
And the best part? You can be part of it. Manufacturing lets you create things people use and love every day!
Ontario manufacturers aren’t just making products - they’re shaping our everyday lives!
From the things you use at home, to the foods you eat, to the gear you play with, these products are made right here in Ontario.
And it’s not just about what’s being made - manufacturing offers amazing career opportunities across technology, engineering, skilled trades, business, and more, with paths that could take you anywhere.
With so many jobs opening up, it’s a great time to explore a future in Ontario manufacturing!
Careers in Manufacturing
The possibilities are endless, and the rewards are great!
Whether you’re into numbers, creativity, problem-solving, or working with your hands, there’s a role for you. You could build a manufacturing career in finance, marketing, human resources, design, technology, or almost any role you can imagine.
Here are just a exciting career paths you could explore:
Instrumentation Technician
What they do: They make sure the IT systems in a manufacturing facility can communicate in real time with the equipment. They repair, maintain, calibrate, adjust, and install industrial measuring tools on connected equipment.
Education: A four-or five-year apprenticeship program in industrial instrument repair and completion of a two-year college program in industrial instrumentation technology.
Median Estimated Annual Income: $103,000 a year
Chemical
Engineer
Engineer
What they do: They design and develop chemical processes and equipment, manage industrial chemical plants, and handle quality control, environmental protection, and biochemical engineering.
Education: An apprenticeship training program with both on-the-job and in-school training. Usually a univeristy degree (bachelor's, master's or doctorate).
Median Estimated Annual Income: $93,000 a year
Industrial
Electrician
Electrician
What they do: They handle electrical wiring, install, maintain, and test new electrical equipment, and troubleshoot and repair old installations to keep facilities running smoothly.
Education: A college diploma and about five years of apprenticeship training.
Median Estimated Annual Income: $93,000 a year
Millwright
What they do: They install, position, and repair industrial equipment. They also assemble and disassemble large machinery and perform routine maintenance.
Education: An apprenticeship training program with both on-the-job and in-school training.
Median Estimated Annual Income: $83,000 a year
Manufacturing is growing fast, and people across Ontario are building rewarding careers in the industry every day.
Today’s manufacturing jobs are high value, high tech, and highly skilled, with competitive pay and real opportunities to grow.
The stories below show what’s possible when you choose a career in manufacturing and where it can take you:
Manufacturing Career Resources
Want to learn more or figure out what path might be right for you?
These resources can help you explore careers, build skills, and take your next steps in manufacturing and the skilled trades:
Skilled Trades Ontario: The one-stop shop for opportunities in the skilled trades
Edge Factor: Explore careers and build future-ready skills
Ontario Colleges: Explore courses for manufacturing careers
Essential Skills Self-Assessment for the Trades: Learn about your essential skills strengths and areas for improvement when it comes to success in apprenticeship training and for a career in the trades
Skills Ontario – Pathways to Apprenticeship: Explore the numerous pathways to apprenticeship
Skills Ontario App: Carry the ultimate toolbox to exploring skilled trade and technology pathways in your pocket
Educator's Toolkit
Bring manufacturing to life in your classroom with this ready-to-use, open-source toolkit developed by educators and industry professionals. Packed with engaging course materials and hands-on activities, it empowers you to spark student curiosity about the exciting and diverse career pathways the manufacturing sector has to offer.