Current apprentices

Current apprentices

As a registered apprentice you’ll switch between on-the-job and in-school training. To stay on track, make sure you keep your records updated and understand your responsibilities as set out in your Training Agreement. The NEW Apprentice Toolkit is a helpful resource with guidance, tips and information to support you throughout your apprenticeship.

Maintain your records

Keep your contact information up to date

• Update your address, phone number, or email through the Skilled Trades Ontario Portal.
• You can also update your information by calling us at 647-847-3000, or Toll Free in Ontario at 1-855-299-0028 (Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm EST).

Maintain your Apprenticeship Training Standard Logbook

• Record completed skills or skill sets in your Apprenticeship Training Standard Logbook or Schedule of Training and ensure they are dated by you and your trainer.
• Fill out the Sponsor Record forms in your logbook, especially if you change your sponsor during your program.
• Download your logbook from the Trades information page.

Need to cancel your apprenticeship?

• Submit an Application to Terminate Registered Training Agreement to Skilled Trades Ontario by:
• Email: Please call Skilled Trades Ontario for secure email instructions at 647-847-3000 or Toll-free (Ontario only) at 1-855-299-0028 Monday-Friday from 7am-7pm.
• Mail: Skilled Trades Ontario, PO Box 2354 RPO SQ1 Shoppers, Mississauga, ON L5B 3C8

How to change your sponsor

If you’re a registered Ontario apprentice and want to change your sponsor, the quickest way is through the Skilled Trades Ontario Portal.

Steps to change your sponsor:

• Log into your account and follow the steps to change your sponsor online.
• You’ll need:
• Your new sponsor’s Sponsor ID.
• If your new sponsor has never been a sponsor before, they will need to register with Skilled Trades Ontario first.

If you can’t access or use the Portal, fill out an Application for Apprenticeship Training and return it to Skilled Trades Ontario by:

• Email: Please call Skilled Trades Ontario for secure email instructions at 647-847-3000 or Toll-free (Ontario only) at 1-855-299-0028 Monday-Friday from 7am-7pm.
• Mail: Skilled Trades Ontario, PO Box 2354 RPO SQ1 Shoppers, Mississauga, ON L5B 3C8

Reminder: Keep your Apprenticeship Training Standard Logbook or Schedule of Training updated to ensure you receive full credit for past training.

Prior Learning and Experience (PLE)

Registered apprentices who have relevant prior learning and experience (from previous on-the-job and/or in-school training) that meets some or all apprenticeship program requirements may qualify to receive credit towards apprenticeship completion.

Apprentices must complete the PLE form and submit it to exemptions@skilledtradesontario.ca, in addition to the required documentation highlighted below. Please note the apprentice’s current sponsor must approve of any exemption before the credit can be granted.

PLE for on-the-job training hours

• If an apprentice has previous on-the-job training (i.e. hours worked with a former sponsor, OYAP hours), the apprentice must submit the attached form with their current sponsor’s acknowledgment and signature. Please note a maximum of 2,500 hours can be granted for each year of training. STO may require additional documentation for requested hours that exceed 2,500 annually.

PLE for in-school training

• If an apprentice has completed prior in-school training via an accredited program approved by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD), (such as a pre-apprenticeship/diploma/degree/private career college program), the apprentice must submit a copy of their official transcript and/or diploma as proof of program completion to be eligible for an in-school exemption.
• If the apprentice has successfully completed an in-school exemption test, the apprentice must submit a copy of their results letter to be eligible for an exemption from the corresponding level of in-school training.
• If the program the apprentice completed has not yet been accredited, the apprentice may contact the institution that provided the training and request that they seek formal accreditation with MLITSD. If the program is later recognized as equivalent, the apprentice’s registered training agreement can be amended to apply any eligible credit retroactively.

Register for in-school training

The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) administers in-school training for apprenticeship programs. This includes issuance of in-school training invitations and management of available seats at Training Delivery Agents (TDAs). To support in-school training delivery, schooling preferences can be added and updated on the STO Portal throughout your apprenticeship journey.

• Invitations for in-school training are issued based on the individual registration date of each Apprentice in a trade.
• Invitations for in-schooling training are sent 105 days prior to the program start date and at the beginning of each week.
• Manual request for in-school training invitations can only be requested through STO 45 days prior to a class start date IF seats still available. To confirm if seats are available apprentices must contact the preferred TDA.
• Once an invitation for in-school training is sent apprentices must follow the instructions and contact the TDA to pay and secure their seat for in-school training
• To find out when the 105- or 45-day window is, please view the 2026-2027 schooling schedule here.

How classroom offers work

You’ll receive an email or letter from MLITSD with a classroom offer for your in-school training.

Seats are limited. Reserve yours by paying your fee promptly. Follow the instructions in your offer letter from MLITSD.

Apply for Employment Insurance (EI) for your in-school training

You may be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) or other income support while you attend in-school training.

Once you reserve your seat, you’ll get an Enrolment Confirmation Letter from MLITSD that you will need to apply for EI.

Visit the Government of Canada website to apply.

Need to change your in-school training location?

To change your training location, contact Skilled Trades Ontario as soon as possible by:

• Phone: 647-847-3000, or Toll Free in Ontario at 1-855-299-0028 (Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm EST)., or
• Email: Please call Skilled Trades Ontario for secure email instructions at 647-847-3000 or Toll-free (Ontario only) at 1-855-299-0028 Monday-Friday from 7am-7pm.

Financial support, grants and incentives

Ontario grants and loans can help cover training and tool costs, including:

• Grants to help you pay for tools
• Apprentice Development Grant
• Supports for apprenticeship with disabilities

Find out more here.

• Canada Apprentice Loan
  • Up to $4,000 in interest-free loans per period of technical training in a designated Red Seal trade
  • Help to cover tuition, tools, equipment and living expenses
  • No payments or interest until after you complete or leave your apprenticeship

  Learn more here.

• Available tax deductions and credits
  The Government of Canada also offers a range of tax credits and incentives that apprentices can benefit from. These include:

  • Tradesperson’s Tools deduction
  • Tuition Tax Credit and licensing examination fees
  • Education amount
  • Textbook amount

  Learn more here.

Apprentice mobility: Moving in Canada

Apprentices can move anywhere in Canada without stopping their training.

• Moving to Ontario?
  If you’re a registered apprentice in another province or territory, you may get credit for your training in Ontario.

  Steps to register in Ontario

  1. Find a sponsor in Ontario.
  2. Apply for an apprenticeship program in Ontario.
  • On your application you will need to check off the section of the form that you have completed training in another province.
  3. Skilled Trades Ontario will contact you to verify your out-of-province training after you have submitted your application.

  Visit our Start an apprenticeship page for more details.

  Read the Provincial-Territorial Apprentice Mobility Transfer Guide for more information for out-of-province apprentices moving temporarily or permanently.

• Ontario apprentices moving to another jurisdiction
  If you are moving from Ontario to work in another Canadian jurisdiction:

  • Keep your Apprenticeship Training Standard Logbook or Schedule of Training and all other training records updated.
  • Contact the apprenticeship authority in your new province or territory for guidance on how to complete your registration.

• How does apprentice mobility work?
  The Provincial-Territorial Apprentice Mobility Protocol ensures your classroom learning, work experience and examination results are recognized when moving to another Canadian jurisdiction.

  Need more help? Check out the Provincial-Territorial Apprentice Mobility Q&A.