Apprenticeship Pathway

There are over 140 skilled trades in Ontario, divided into 4 sectors: Construction, Industrial, Motive Power and Service. At CLAC we focus on the Construction trades and have over 200+ employers in the industry!

There are 2 types of trades: compulsory (23 trades) and non-compulsory (121 trades). Compulsory trades require you to be registered in the trade before practicing in the “scope of trade”. This is to ensure proper training is being provided and your safety is top of mind. Non-compulsory trades don’t require you to be registered in order to practice in the “scope of trade”, most common ones are Carpentry or Construction Craft Worker.

Benefits to starting a career in the trades:

• Rewarding career opportunities
• High demand and job security
• Competitive salaries
• You work and learn from experienced trades people and get paid while you do it
• Learn more about the trades here

Pathways into Apprenticeship:

• High School Co-Op Placement
• Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
• Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)
• Dual Credit
• Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
• Traditional Work Experience (Direct)

Once you find an employer who is willing to sponsor you throughout your apprenticeship you can start the registration process. You and your sponsor will need access to the Skilled Trades Ontario Portal.

You will need:

**If you completed an Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) or Pre-Apprenticeship Program, you would need proof of completing these programs in order to have hours or in-class training credited. Speak with your Sponsor and Skilled Trades Ontario consultant to make sure you are getting what is eligible to you.

• Proof of Age – driver’s license, passport
• Proof of SIN – SIN card, T4
• Proof of Education – high school transcript or diploma or post secondary education

Your apprenticeship is made up of on-site and in-class training hours. You can find more details about hour requirements here.

Offers for school are based on a 12-18 month timeline from the initial registration date (your first training agreement). For example, if you got registered in January 2024, you could expect an offer between January-April 2025. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development is responsible for in-class training offers and are emailed 90+ days prior to the start date.

Programs are offered through Trade Delivery Agents (local colleges) and tuition costs are set at a standardized amount. For example: 309A Level 1 $400, Level 2 $500, Level 3 $550.

Other factors that impact offers are: class sizes, availability of courses, waitlist for school, willingness to commute, etc. Some colleges only run programs 2 times per year and others run them 4 times per year. Do your research and speak with your Skilled Trades Ontario Consultant to find out what is your best option to succeed!

In order to complete your apprenticeship, you need to have done all of the on-site and in-class training hours. For example: 308A requires 8,280 on site hours and 720 in-class training for a total of 9,000 hours. On average most trade programs take 4-5 years to complete.

Once you have completed your apprenticeship, you and your Sponsor must fill out the completion package. All of the required documents can be found in your Logbook. Use the About Trades tab on STO to look up your trades information.

After you completion package has been submitted and approved by Skilled Trades Ontario, you will be notified to schedule your exam. If this is your first time writing, there are no fees. If you are doing a 2nd+ attempt you will be required to pay $150 + HST.

Once you’ve notified STO of completing your apprenticeship you will become a Journeyperson Candidate, you have 12 months to write your exam. You can ask for an extension through Application for Extension. Applications for a 6 month extension must be made by 11:59 EST on the day your Provisional Certificate of Qualification expires, late applications will not be considered.

You can now schedule your exam online: Skilled Trades Ontario (STO). From this site you can look up locations, schedule your exam, confirm your date and cancel.

This is the final step in your apprenticeship – becoming a Journeyperson! It’s no small feat and shows that all of the hard work pays off. Becoming a Journeyperson means more job security and financial stability, as well as provides you the opportunity to mentor and train apprentices that are starting their apprenticeship.

Your Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) is managed through Skilled Trades Ontario. You are required to pay an annual fee to keep your status active and to work in the trades.