Ontario moves apprenticeship oversight to the ministry and revises trade rules

What is happening and who it affects

• The Ontario College of Trades will be wound down and a ministry-led delivery model will replace it, with transition work to be completed in 2019.
• The Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities will lead the system and can set advisory committees, define trades and skill sets, and regulate restricted activities.
• A new Registrar of Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship will manage apprenticeship programs, issue credentials, appoint inspectors, and keep a public register.

Key changes and supports

• Trades will no longer be labeled voluntary or compulsory; certification will be required to perform specified restricted activities.
• Enforcement will move to a risk-based approach focused on restricted activities.
• Fee changes: apprentice, journeyperson candidate and tradesperson classes set to $0; journeypersons class set to $60.
• New measures include a financial support program for group sponsorships, a one-window digital portal for apprentices, and training and skills advisors to engage industry and under-represented groups.
• A marketing campaign targeting K–12 students, parents and educators is planned for fall 2019 to promote trades as a career path.

By the numbers (from the release)

• Total apprenticeship registrations are 11% higher than the same time last year.
• Construction-sector apprenticeship registrations are about 24% higher than the same time last year.

Why this matters

• The changes shift control of apprenticeship rules and certification to a ministry-led model, aim to lower barriers for employers and apprentices, and introduce targeted supports and outreach to grow participation in the skilled trades.