As a sponsor in Ontario, you play a critical role in developing the next generation of skilled trades professionals. A sponsor is typically the apprentice’s employer in Ontario and is responsible for making sure that an apprentice receives the training required as part of an apprenticeship program.
Becoming a sponsor benefits both your business and skilled trades in Ontario.
Build your future workforce
Taking on an apprentice trains the next generation of workers. If you are also an employer, it helps you prepare for the future of your business.
Boost employee loyalty
Apprentices are more likely to remain loyal to companies that invest in their training and long-term success (Source: Canadian Apprenticeship Forum report, 2010).
Customize training to your business
While you train an apprentice to provincial and national (Red Seal) industry standards, you also train them to understand your unique workplace.
Access financial incentives
As a sponsor, you may qualify for grants and/or federal tax credits when you train or hire an apprentice. Learn more.
Recruiting potential apprentices through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) can also be a cost-effective way to train and hire young workers.
Recruit top talent early
Local colleges, high schools, and the Pre-Apprenticeship Program can help you find the best talent and match you with the most qualified apprenticeship candidate.
Trades with apprentice-to-journeyperson ratios
Under the Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, 2021 (BOSTA), trades with ratios must follow a 1:1 journeyperson-to-apprentice ratio.
For a list of trades subject to ratios, see Ontario Regulation 876/21.
If you fall out of compliance with a ratio (e.g., a certified journeyperson leaves your business), you must resolve the issue as soon as possible to remain compliant.
Please note you may be required to provide supporting documentation that confirms your capacity to train as part of the approval process.
You can complete the Sponsor Agreement online through the Skilled Trades Ontario Digital Portal.
Alternately, you can download and submit the agreement to Skilled Trades Ontario by:
You can hire an apprentice who began their training outside of Ontario. The apprenticeship application process is the same as that for individuals in Ontario (see Step 4 below).
Examples of what you might request to assess their prior experience:
Skilled Trades Ontario will verify and apply any credits for prior learning and training once the application has been submitted.
Learn more about apprentice mobility here.
If an apprentice candidate is 16-17 years old or you are unable to apply online:
Skilled Trades Ontario will review and notify you if the application is approved.
For help with credits for prior learning and training, please contact Skilled Trades Ontario by:
When the agreement is registered:
The Apprenticeship Training Standard Logbook or Schedule of Training sets out the on-the-job training requirements. You can find these and other helpful resources on our Trades information page.
Your responsibilities:
Helping your apprentice succeed means ensuring that they are allowed the time to attend in-school training as part of their program. Talk to your apprentice early on to determine the best options for training times and encourage your apprentice to register well in advance as classes fill up quickly.
Visit the Current apprentices page for more information.
Confirm completion of apprentice records
This includes:
Fill out and submit the Apprenticeship Completion Form
As the sponsor you are responsible for ensuring all program requirements are completed and apprenticeship records are up to date. You may be asked to provide supporting documentation as part of the completion process.
Skilled Trades Ontario reviews the form
Skilled Trades Ontario will review the Apprenticeship Completion Form to confirm apprenticeship program completion.
Apprentice receives their Certificate of Apprenticeship in the mail
Once reviewed and approved, Skilled Trades Ontario will mail the apprentice their Certificate of Apprenticeship.
Congratulations to you and your completed apprentice on reaching this milestone – and thank you for supporting apprenticeship in Ontario.
To end your agreement prior to program completion, submit an Application to Terminate a Registered Training Agreement to Skilled Trades Ontario by: