Here’s a practical, step-by-step plan to find manufacturing jobs in Ontario (shop-floor, skilled trades, tech, supervision, and related roles):

1. Make sure you’re legally able to work in Canada

• If you’re not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you’ll generally need a work permit. Check eligibility and application routes before applying. (If you are already eligible, skip this step.)

2. Decide what types of manufacturing jobs you want

• Examples: production operator/assembler, machine operator/CNC, welder, maintenance technician/electrician, quality inspector, forklift/pallet jack operator, supervisor/lead, industrial engineering, logistics/warehouse.
• Match that to your skills, certifications, and desired hours/location.

3. Prepare a targeted resume and cover letter

• Use clear job titles and include measurable outcomes (e.g., “reduced scrap by 12%,” “operated CNC mill for 3 years”).
• Add relevant certifications: WHMIS, forklift/MEWP, lockout/tagout, First Aid/CPR, trade certificates (Red Seal), CNC/PLC, Lean/Six Sigma basics, ISO/quality training.
• Include safety and production metrics, shift availability, and ability to do physical labor if applicable.

4. Use the right job search sites (search with city/region + “manufacturing”)

• National/general: Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Monster.
• Canadian/Provincial: Job Bank (Government of Canada), Ontario job portals, Workopolis.
• Local/regional: community college boards, municipal employment centres.
• Company career pages: major manufacturers often post openings there.

5. Target major manufacturers and clusters

• Ontario manufacturing hubs: Greater Toronto Area (auto parts, food, plastics), Hamilton/Burlington (steel, fabrication), London, Kitchener-Waterloo, Windsor (automotive/auto-supply), Oshawa, Cambridge.
• Look for local large employers and their suppliers/smaller plants. Use “manufacturing + [city name]” in searches.

6. Use staffing/temp agencies that place manufacturing workers

• Agencies often hire for production, assembly, and maintenance: Randstad, Adecco, Manpower, Hays, Express Employment Professionals, Kelly Services. They can be quicker routes to entry-level and temp-to-hire roles.

7. Network and attend job fairs

• Manufacturing job fairs, union halls, community employment centres, and college/training-school hiring events.
• Connect with local manufacturing associations: Manufacturing Ontario, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) chapters, local chambers of commerce.
• Use LinkedIn to follow plants and recruiters, and to message hiring managers politely.

8. Consider short training or certificates to boost hireability

• Forklift certification, WHMIS 2015, basic mill/lathe or CNC courses, industrial electrical/mechatronics basics, or a Red Seal apprenticeship pathway.
• Community colleges and colleges of applied arts/technology in Ontario (e.g., Fanshawe, Conestoga, Mohawk, Centennial) offer relevant programs.

9. Apply strategically and track applications

• Apply to roles that match your skills and note each application (company, role, date). Follow up about one week after applying.
• Tailor each resume/cover letter to include keywords from the job posting (e.g., “preventive maintenance,” “ISO 9001,” “GD&T”).

10. Prepare for interviews and assessments

• Expect questions about safety, shift work, tools/machines you’ve used, troubleshooting examples, and ability to meet production targets.
• You may face skills tests (basic math, mechanical aptitude), physical screening, and drug/safety checks.

11. Use local government and community resources

• Ontario employment centres, ServiceOntario employment programs, and settlement services (if you’re new to Canada) often provide job-search help, resume workshops, and listings.

12. If open to relocation or commuting, expand your search radius

• Many manufacturing jobs are in industrial zones outside city centers—be ready for shift schedules and factor in commute/transport.

Search phrases and filters to use

• “Manufacturing operator OR production operator + [city/region]”
• “CNC operator, machine operator, maintenance technician, assembler, fabricator + Ontario”
• Filter by “full-time”, “temporary-to-permanent”, “shift” and “entry-level” or “skilled”.

Quick checklist to get started today

• Update resume with manufacturing keywords and certifications.
• Set up job alerts on Indeed, Job Bank, and LinkedIn for your target roles and cities.
• Reach out to 2–3 local staffing agencies and apply to 3–5 current postings.
• Enroll in a weekend forklift or WHMIS course if you don’t already have certification.

If you want, tell me:

• Which city/region in Ontario you’re targeting and what manufacturing roles you’re interested in, and I’ll suggest specific employers, job boards, and exact search phrases for that area.