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Skilled Trades Ontario is a new Crown agency which replaced the Ontario College of Trades. It is responsible for skilled trades certification in Ontario, which includes:

  • establishing apprenticeship programs, including training standards, curriculum standards and certification exams
  • assessing experience and qualifications of individuals who have not completed an apprenticeship program in Ontario
  • 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
  • conducting research in relation to apprenticeship and the trades

The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development has oversight of trades legislation and regulation, including prescribing/deprescribing trades, scopes of practice, trade classifications and ratios. The Ministry has also assumed responsibility for compliance and enforcement through its Occupational Health and Safety Inspectorate.