Skip to main content
Skip to footer
Poll: 2026 Snapshot — How Tough is Hiring Skilled Trades in Ontario Right Now?
Which skilled trades roles are currently the most difficult for your organization to fill?
| Millwrights/Electricians | Industrial Electricians | Maintenance Technicians | Welder /Fabricators | CNC Machinists/Tool & Die | Production Technicians (skilled) |
|---|
| 71.9 | 53.1 | 34.4 | 16.3 | 12.5 | 6.3 |
What are the biggest challenges you face when hiring for these roles?
| Lack of qualified candidates | Wage expectations too high | Competition from other employers | Shift work/working conditions | Retention after hiring | Certification/licensing requirements |
|---|
| 88.2 | 73.5 | 52.9 | 26.5 | 20.6 | 5.9 |
Based on what candidates and the market are telling you, how have pay expectations for skilled trades roles shifted over the past 12–18 months?
| Candidates are expecting significantly higher pay | Candidates are expecting moderately higher pay | Expectations are slightly higher | Expectations are about the same |
|---|
| 39.4 | 42.4 | 15.2 | 3.0 |
For roles where expectations have increased, what level of increase are candidates typically expecting?
| 8% or more higher | 5-7% higher | 3–5% higher | 1–3% higher |
|---|
| 34.5 | 37.9 | 20.7 | 6.9 |
If you are experiencing hiring challenges, what do you believe are the primary drivers?
| Shortage of skilled trades talent | Wage expectations exceeding budget | Competition from other employers | Working conditions (shift work, environment, etc.) | Location/accessibility challenges | Changes to Canadian immigration policies | Other |
|---|
| 82.4 | 55.9 | 50.0 | 26.5 | 20.6 | 17.6 | 8.8 |
How would you describe your current ability to fill skilled trades roles?
| Challenging (longer time-to-fill than desired) | Extremely difficult (roles remain open for months) | Not a major issue currently | Manageable with effort |
|---|
| 61.8 | 26.5 | 8.8 | 2.9 |
Which strategies or incentives have you introduced to help fill skilled trades roles?
| Increased base salaries | Apprenticeships/co-op programs | Upskilling or internal training programs | Referral bonuses | Partnerships with colleges or trade schools | Overtime or premium pay enhancements | Immigration/International recruitment | Signing bonuses | Flexible shifts/scheduling changes | Increased vacation time | No strategic changes have been made |
|---|
| 76.5 | 61.8 | 50.0 | 38.2 | 32.4 | 17.6 | 11.8 | 8.8 | 5.9 | 4.3 | 2.9 |
