Skilled Trades Ontario is an agency of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development responsible for apprenticeship and skilled trades certification in Ontario. It was established through the Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, 2021.
We are committed to making it easier for skilled trades professionals to access services, promoting careers in the skilled trades and addressing the labour shortage. We want to make Ontario the place where skilled trades professionals thrive.
Our work
Skilled Trades Ontario is responsible for trades certification in Ontario, including:
- establishing apprenticeship programs, including training standards, curriculum standards and certification exams
- administering apprenticeship programs, including approving apprentices and sponsors, registering training agreements and assessing applications for apprenticeship program completion
- issuing certificates of apprenticeship to completed Ontario apprentices
- assessing experience and qualifications of individuals who have not completed an apprenticeship program in Ontario
- administering exams, including certifying exams, in all trades subject to certifying exams
- issuing Certificates of Qualification in all trades with certifying exams
- renewing Certificates of Qualification in compulsory trades
- maintaining a Public Register of people authorized to work in compulsory trades
- researching apprenticeships and the trades
The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development is responsible for compliance and enforcement. Please contact the Occupational Health and Safety Contact Centre to report unsafe or unauthorized work.
The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development oversees trades legislation and regulations, including prescribing/deprescribing trades, scopes of practice, trade classifications and ratios.
While Skilled Trades Ontario will take on many apprenticeship and exam-related responsibilities, some functions will remain with MLITSD, including:
- The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and Pre-Apprenticeship Training programs
- In-school training administration – MLITSD will continue to oversee seat planning, seat management, and funding for training providers.
- Financial oversight for apprenticeship grants and support programs.
- The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) holds primary responsibility for compliance and enforcement related to skilled trades, workplace health and safety, and employment standards.
Mission
To support Ontario’s economic success as the central authority responsible for establishing leading-edge standards in the skilled trades to meet the opportunities of today and the challenges of tomorrow.
Vision
Make Ontario the place where skilled trades professionals thrive.
Values
- Professional: Setting high standards for a trusted and valued skilled trades workforce.
- Accessible: Making the pathways into the skilled trades clear and straightforward for all.
- Agile: Providing leading-edge education and certification standards.
- Collaborative: Building strong partnerships with skilled trades professionals, employers, and training providers.
- Engaged: Being there for skilled trades professionals where and when they need us.
