Apprenticeship: Skilled Trades Ontario
Update on Skilled Trades Ontario
Who will develop the apprenticeship program standards and issue certifications during the transition of Skilled Trades Ontario into a mature state?
The ministry continues to handle apprenticeship registration while the Skilled Trades Ontario is responsible for certification until it reaches a mature state and is able to assume responsibility for the delivery of apprenticeship registration. Skilled Trades Ontario is responsible for the apprenticeship program standards development.
When will Skilled Trades Ontario agency reach a mature state?
The ministry is taking a thoughtful and measured approach to the transition to Skilled Trades Ontario. The ministry will continue to co-deliver existing apprenticeship services until the agency has reached a mature state.
Who did the Skilled Trades Panel consult with for the Phase 1 work on the new service delivery model?
Recommendations were informed by consultations with the public and industry stakeholders who provided advice on the path forward for the skilled trades and apprenticeship system. The panel engaged a broad range of stakeholders, including apprentices, tradespersons, employers, training delivery agents, unions, businesses, associations, and organizations from each of the four trade sectors. The panel received… Continue reading Who did the Skilled Trades Panel consult with for the Phase 1 work on the new service delivery model?
What was the role of the Panel? What was its mandate?
In September 2020, Ontario appointed a Skilled Trades Panel to provide recommendations on improving the oversight and delivery of apprenticeship training and certification and ensuring the skilled trades sector is more responsive to the province’s changing economy. The first phase of the panel’s work, from September to December 2020, focused on a new service delivery… Continue reading What was the role of the Panel? What was its mandate?
What will the transition to Skilled Trades Ontario look like?
To maintain uninterrupted services to the public and to ensure a smooth transition to an agency-led model, the ministry is taking a phased approach to transitioning to the new agency, Skilled Trades Ontario. The Ontario College of Trades functions that transitioned to the agency in December 2021 are: Development and maintenance of apprenticeship training and… Continue reading What will the transition to Skilled Trades Ontario look like?
How can an employer hire an apprentice under the new system?
Skilled Trades Ontario and the ministry will support employers who want to hire an apprentice. The process of registering a training agreement with the ministry will be the same, with improved online functionality for apprentices and sponsors. The full process can be found at ontario.ca. Employers can also use the Job Bank to find a… Continue reading How can an employer hire an apprentice under the new system?
What did the ministry do to improve the online experience for clients, businesses, and stakeholders?
The ministry has developed a digital portal called the STO Portal (Skilled Trades Ontario Portal). In January 2022 the STO Portal replaced the ministry’s Apprenticeship Online and Change my Sponsor web applications. Apprentices can apply and update their information on the STO Portal. Group sponsors are able to submit applications online for multiple apprentices at… Continue reading What did the ministry do to improve the online experience for clients, businesses, and stakeholders?
Why did the government decide to wind-down the Ontario College of Trades?
As part of the government’s commitment to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens and to transform the apprenticeship and skilled trades system in Ontario, the government announced its intention to wind-down the Ontario College of Trades in fall 2018. The government has taken a phased and industry-informed approach to the wind-down of the Ontario College of Trades.… Continue reading Why did the government decide to wind-down the Ontario College of Trades?