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Sunday, August 27, 2023

Skilled Tradespeople to Receive Proof of Qualifications

Since its launch in January 2022, Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) has provided online verification of the status and license details of compulsory apprentices and journeypersons. STO is the successor of the Ontario College of Trades.

Starting last summer, STO began issuing physical certificates of qualifications to registered apprentices and journeypersons. Prior to 2022, the issuing of physical certificates was standard practice. Skilled workers across the province have eagerly anticipated their return. CLAC has actively lobbied for this recognition that tradespeople put into their education.

At a press conference in Guelph, STO announced that they will be issuing over 17,500 certificates of qualification and more than 200,000 wallet cards to apprentices and certified skilled trades workers across Ontario in the upcoming months.

“Being a certified tradesperson is a point of pride for our members,” says Ian DeWaard, CLAC Ontario director. “Just like any trained professional, their credentials distinguish them as experts in their field. CLAC and its members appreciate this initiative of Skilled Trades Ontario to issue wallet cards and feel it demonstrates that STO is listening to front-line workers who have been asking for this easy-to-use demonstration of their journeyperson status.”

Registered apprentices and journeypersons should look for these certificates and wallet cards in the mail starting this fall and continuing into 2024. Certificates issued prior to 2022 will be recognized by Skilled Trades Ontario.