Ontario to streamline apprenticeship training

The Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, a legislation designed to make the province’s skilled trades and apprenticeship system easier to navigate, was introduced by Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

Under the proposed legislation, Skilled Trades Ontario would become the province’s industry-informed training authority to lead the promotion, research and development of apprenticeship training and curriculum standards. It will also provide client-facing services, including apprentice registration, issuance of certificates and renewals, and conduct equivalency assessments offered digitally.

“Skilled trades workers are the engine of our economy,” said McNaughton. “Under the current system, responsibilities are shared between OCOT and the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, causing confusion and added burden for people wanting to pursue a career in the skilled trades, which leads to employers struggling to find qualified skilled trades workers. That is why our government is building a skilled trades system that attracts more people into well-paying and meaningful careers that are truly life-changing.”

As recommended by the Skilled Trades Panel’s first report, Ontario will streamline the apprenticeship system by establishing a new crown agency. The ministry will provide system oversight and be responsible for regulatory decisions, financial supports and take on responsibility for compliance and enforcement of the skilled trades.

“We heard loud and clear from apprentices, journeypersons and employers alike that OCOT is not working,” said McNaughton. “Following our expert Panel’s recommendations, we are taking a thoughtful and measured approach by launching Skilled Trades Ontario, a new agency that will put the trades first.”