Sub-Topic: Skilled Trades Ontario

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?

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?

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?

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?

In the new simplified and client-focused model, Skilled Trades Ontario is industry-informed and accountable to the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development. The agency’s government-appointed board is made up of individuals with competencies and skills that reflect the agency’s mandate. Unlike the Ontario College of Trades, at maturity, Skilled Trades Ontario will be… Continue reading How is Skilled Trades Ontario different from the Ontario College of Trades?

The people of Ontario will benefit from these changes through streamlined service improvements, easier navigation of the system, and the reduction of red tape., Skilled Trades Ontario has a mandate to ensure Ontario’s skilled trades and apprenticeship system is responsive to changes in the economy and delivers the training and skills required by workers. At… Continue reading How will the people of Ontario benefit from the Skilled Trades Ontario?

Skilled trades workers are at the front line of our economic recovery, with businesses playing a crucial role in training our next generation of workers through apprenticeship programs. A Skilled Trades Panel appointed by the government learned during consultations with stakeholders that the current skilled trades and apprenticeship system was hard to navigate. With responsibilities… Continue reading Why did Ontario pass the Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act?

The skilled trades and apprenticeship system plays a critical role in Ontario’s economy. However, the system was outdated and overly complex. As such, the government created Skilled Trades Ontario to replace the Ontario College of Trades. This is part of the government’s plan to build an apprenticeship and skilled trades system that is easier for… Continue reading Why did the government create the new agency called Skilled Trades Ontario?