STO releases 2026–2029 Strategic Plan

New three-year plan sets the agency’s direction as the sole certification body for skilled trades apprenticeship in Ontario

ONTARIO – Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) has released its 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, outlining how the agency will deliver on its expanded mandate over the next three years. The full plan is available here.

The plan is anchored by STO’s aspiration to be Ontario’s champion of the skilled trades, accelerating pathways to rewarding careers that power economic growth. The plan outlines five strategic pillars for 2026 through 2029:

1. Streamlined Registration and Certification
2. Excellence in Standards and Curriculum
3. Public Awareness and Promotion
4. Equity, Opportunity, and Access
5. Engagement and Service Delivery

“Since our agency’s launch in 2022, we have strengthened our partnerships with government, industry experts, and educators,” said Candice White, CEO of Skilled Trades Ontario. “Together, we are reshaping Ontario’s apprenticeship system by improving access to important services and elevating awareness of the value and opportunities unique to the skilled trades. These achievements ensure that Ontario’s skilled trades professionals are equipped with the skills, experience, and credentials to pursue rewarding and lifelong opportunities in our industry.”

The plan follows a defining shift for the agency. On April 2, 2025, STO assumed statutory responsibility for registering training agreements, administering examinations and issuing Certificates of Apprenticeship — making it the primary point of contact for apprenticeship and certification services in the province. In October 2025, STO made on-site certification exam delivery permanent at all Training Delivery Agents authorized to offer final-level apprenticeship training, expanding access to over 100 locations across Ontario. With those responsibilities now consolidated, the 2026–2029 plan reflects STO’s movement towards maturity.

“Ontario’s skilled trades sector has reached a pivotal moment, with innovation and infrastructure growth driving an urgent need for a highly skilled workforce,” said Michael G. Sherrard, Board Chair, Skilled Trades Ontario. “Over the next three years, we will focus on strengthening industry partnerships, improving access to services, expanding awareness, and building a resilient sector.”

The plan also commits STO to transparent governance, strengthened IT and communications capabilities, and stronger engagement with underrepresented groups, including Canadian Armed Forces members and their spouses, and individuals participating in social assistance programs.

Read Skilled Trades Ontario’s 2026–2029 Strategic Plan here.

Quick Facts

• The 2026–2029 Strategic Plan is Skilled Trades Ontario’s second strategic plan.
• On April 2, 2025, Skilled Trades Ontario assumed statutory responsibility for registering training agreements, administering examinations, and issuing Certificates of Apprenticeship.
• More than 15,200 certifying exams have been administered since April 2025.
• Between 2023 and 2026, STO
  • issued 23,297 Certificates of Qualification,
  • awarded 30,546 Certificates of Apprenticeship,
  • registered 60,750 first-time apprentices through Registered Training Agreements,
  • granted 20,832 Red Seal Endorsed Certificates of Qualification.
• STO’s first campaign under its new marketing strategy launched in June 2025 and generated more than 62 million views.

About Skilled Trades Ontario
Skilled Trades Ontario is an agency of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development responsible for apprenticeship and skilled trades certification in Ontario. Skilled Trades Ontario is dedicated to simplifying access to services for skilled trades professionals, promoting the skilled trades as a career of choice and addressing the labour shortage in the skilled trades, in partnership with government and industry.    

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media@skilledtradesontario.ca