Other technical trades and related occupations
Also called: Farrier, Gunsmith, Sawsmith, Locksmith, Saw filer, Saw maker, Toolsmith, Anvilsmith, Blacksmith, Die setter, Horseshoer, Safe maker
Workers in other trades occupations repair, service, install, calibrate or fabricate a variety of products. This unit group also includes commercial divers. They are employed by a wide range of establishments, or they may be self-employed. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Main tasks
- Gunsmiths
- Fabricate guns and repair and modify firearms according to blueprints or customers' specifications
- Locksmiths
- Repair, install and adjust locks, make keys and change lock combinations
- Safe and vault servicers
- Install, repair and maintain safes and vaults in banks and other establishments
- Saw fitters
- Repair, set and sharpen band saws, chain saws, circular saws and other types of saw blades according to specifications
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Completion of a two- to four-year apprenticeship program in a relevant trade, such as locksmith or saw fitter or college, high school or industry courses combined with several years of related work experience or several years of on-the-job training are required. Trade certification for locksmiths is available, but voluntary, in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Sawfiler/fitter and sawfitter trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Quebec, British Columbia and the Yukon. Provincial trade certification or licensing may be required for other occupations in this unit group. Commercial divers must meet the requirements of CSA Standard Z275.4-02, Competency Standard for Diving Operations. Commercial divers require an Occupational Diver Certificate of Competency issued by the Diver Certification Board of Canada (DCBC) or qualification earned through a formal education program, training courses in diving or a combination of education and practical experience. Commercial divers require certification of competency and a diving medical examination from an approved hyperbaric physician. Commercial divers may require military or police diving experience. Commercial divers usually require a provincial blaster's licence for the setting and detonation of explosives.
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Apprenticeship. Completion of a two- to four-year apprenticeship program in a relevant trade, such as locksmith or saw fitter or college, high school or industry courses combined with several years of related work experience or several years of on-the-job training are required. Apprenticeships are run by each province and territory.
- Licence or registration: Provincial trade certification or licensing may be required for other occupations in this unit group. Commercial divers usually require a provincial blaster's licence for the setting and detonation of explosives.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $67,704 a year The middle half earn $51,188 to $78,000.
- About 9,700 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 10,700 are projected by 2033. (+10.3%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of shortage.
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Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03