Independent guide
Which trade would you like to work in?
From training to starting your business, step by step.
I want to learn a trade
Pick a trade: each guide follows the 3 phases below.
- ConstructionTraining: DEP for the chosen trade — example, to be verified
- ElectricianTraining: DEP Electricity 5295, 1,800 h — example, to be verified
- Plumber / heatingTraining: DEP Plumbing and heating 5333, 1,680 h — example, to be verified
- Trucker (heavy vehicle)Training: mandatory, Class 1 PESR or DEP 5291 — example, to be verified
- Snow removalTraining: no mandatory training found — example, to be verified
- Farm / agricultureTraining: none mandatory found, DEP useful (e.g. 5354) — example, to be verified
- Consulting / self-employedTraining: none mandatory, except reserved titles — example, to be verified
- Websites / ITTraining: none mandatory, DEP 5385 optional — example, to be verified
- Member of a professional orderTraining: lawyer, law degree and Bar School — example, to be verified
- Restaurants / foodTraining: MAPAQ food hygiene certificates — example, to be verified
- Landscaping / cleaningTraining: none mandatory found, DEP 5320 optional — example, to be verified
The 3 phases of the journey
- 1 Get trainedProgram, length, where, financing
- 2 Get your cards and permitsApprenticeship, exam, card or licence
- 3 Start the businessThe 12 core steps plus trade steps
I already have a trade
Check or get your cards recognized, then start your business.
- ConstructionCards, recognition, start-up
- ElectricianCards, recognition, start-up
- Plumber / heatingCards, recognition, start-up
- Trucker (heavy vehicle)Cards, recognition, start-up
- Snow removalCards, recognition, start-up
- Farm / agricultureCards, recognition, start-up
- Consulting / self-employedCards, recognition, start-up
- Websites / ITCards, recognition, start-up
- Member of a professional orderCards, recognition, start-up
- Restaurants / foodCards, recognition, start-up
- Landscaping / cleaningCards, recognition, start-up
Core steps: the 12 steps of every start-up
Suggested order. Requirements vary with your situation.
- Choose a legal structure
- Choose and check the name
- Register the business (REQ / NEQ)
- Register for sales taxes (GST / QST)
- Get a business number (CRA)
- Find permits and licences (BizPaL)
- Hire a first employee
- Workplace health and safety (CNESST)
- Review insurance
- Open a business bank account
- Set up bookkeeping
- Explore grants and financing
General information, not legal, accounting, tax, financial or insurance advice.