Your Future in Manufacturing

Today, manufacturing is no longer dark, dingy, or dangerous.

It is about taking different materials and turning them into something completely new, whether by hand or with advanced machines. Imagine taking different materials and turning them into something totally new, either by hand or with machines.

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?

Have you ever made something from scratch and sold it, or earned a little money from something you built or designed? 

If so, congratulations you are a manufacturer by nature!

Manufacturing today is not just about factories and equipment it is about turning ideas into real products that people use and love. And the best part is that this is something you can explore right here in Ontario.

Great things are made right here in Ontario.

Across communities, people come together to build companies, create products, and shape the future.

Every product tells a story and every career has impact. You can be part of making it happen!

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!

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!

Ready to explore a future in manufacturing?

The possibilities are endless, and the rewards are great! Manufacturing isn't just about building products - it's also about the people, the ideas, and the business behind them. You can work in finance, marketing, human resources, design, technology, or almost any role you can imagine. Whatever your skills or interests, there is a place for you in Ontario manufacturing. 

Here are just a few examples of some exciting career paths in manufacturing:

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. A four-or five-year apprenticeship program in industrial instrument repair and completion of a two-year college program in industrial instrumentation technology.

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 

Industrial 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 

Chemical 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 

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:

Success Stories.              HerStories

Here are a few different webpages to learn more about the skilled trades and career opportunities:

Skilled Trades Ontario: The one-stop shop for opportunities in the skilled trades 

Edge Factor: Equips communities with workforce and career development solutions, inspiring people to explore, prepare and connect on their career journey 

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: Have the ultimate toolbox to exploring skilled trade and technology pathways in your pocket 

Manufacturing in Schools 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.

Download the toolkit