March 8, 2022
Skilled Trades Ontario replaces Ontario College of Trades
Skilled Trades Ontario officially replaced the Ontario College of Trades on Jan. 1, 2022. The Ontario government said the new crown agency will improve trades training and simplify services.
“The new agency will promote and market the trades, develop the latest training and curriculum standards, and provide a streamlined user-friendly experience for tradespeople,” the government said in a media release. “These changes will result in more workers for in demand jobs and prepare Ontario for a strong economic comeback.”
Monte McNaughton, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, said the province is redrawing the system to address labour shortages.
“The skilled trades provide well-paying and rewarding careers that are vital for our economy,” McNaughton said.
The new online services will help apprentices manage their careers in one place with an online one-stop shop for scheduling classes and exams, submitting forms, paying fees and more. The Ontario government says the changes will reduce the skilled labour shortage the province currently faces by making it easier for more people to learn about and enter the trades, including reducing processing and registration times for applicants from 60 days to 12.
“The creation of Skilled Trades Ontario is an important milestone, and one I am thrilled to be a part of leading,” Michael Sherrard, Chair of Skilled Trades Ontario, said. “The implementation of a successful apprenticeship and skilled trades system is critical to the economic growth and success of our province, and today’s announcement is the next step in securing that future for us all.”
“The new agency will promote and market the trades, develop the latest training and curriculum standards, and provide a streamlined user-friendly experience for tradespeople,” the government said in a media release. “These changes will result in more workers for in demand jobs and prepare Ontario for a strong economic comeback.”
Monte McNaughton, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, said the province is redrawing the system to address labour shortages.
“The skilled trades provide well-paying and rewarding careers that are vital for our economy,” McNaughton said.
The new online services will help apprentices manage their careers in one place with an online one-stop shop for scheduling classes and exams, submitting forms, paying fees and more. The Ontario government says the changes will reduce the skilled labour shortage the province currently faces by making it easier for more people to learn about and enter the trades, including reducing processing and registration times for applicants from 60 days to 12.
“The creation of Skilled Trades Ontario is an important milestone, and one I am thrilled to be a part of leading,” Michael Sherrard, Chair of Skilled Trades Ontario, said. “The implementation of a successful apprenticeship and skilled trades system is critical to the economic growth and success of our province, and today’s announcement is the next step in securing that future for us all.”