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On this page you can find information about the apprenticeship system.
On this page you can find information about the apprenticeship system.
You can also click on the buttons at the end of the page for "Resources" and 'How to Support Potential/Current Apprentices"
You can also click on the buttons at the end of the page for "Resources" and 'How to Support Potential/Current Apprentices"
As of April 2, 2025, the Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) is the central authority for skilled trades, with MLITSD still holding some responsibilities.
As of April 2, 2025, the Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) is the central authority for skilled trades, with MLITSD still holding some responsibilities.
Apprenticeship Scale and Scope:
In Ontario, there are over 144 occupations for which you can train as an apprentice. Those occupations are organized into four categories called ‘sectors’
Service (over 40 occupations)
Chef
Child and Youth Worker
Hairstylist
Information Technology – Hardware Technician
Pool, Hot Tub, and Spa Installer
Educational Assistant
Motive Power (almost 20 occupations)
Turf Equipment Technician
Autobody Repairer
Tire, Wheel, and Rim Mechanic
Marine Engine Technician
Automotive Service Technician
Truck and Coach Technician
Industrial (over 50 occupations)
Entertainment Industry Power Technician
Ski Lift Mechanic
Locksmith
Welder
General Machinist
Industrial Electrician
Construction (over 40 occupations)
Floor Covering Installer
Hazardous Materials Worker
Construction Millwright
General Carpenter
Powerline Technician
Electrician – Construction and Maintenance
23 trades are compulsory and the rest are voluntary. 83 require certifying examinations.
23 trades are compulsory and the rest are voluntary. 83 require certifying examinations.
The Apprenticeship Program Journey includes:
The Apprenticeship Program Journey includes:
Step 1: Explore
Step 2: Become an apprentice
Step 3: Learn on the job
Step 4: Learn in class
Step 5: Complete apprenticeship
Step 6: Go beyond (advanced opportunities, Red Seal, supervision, etc.)
Minimum requirements
Minimum requirements
Education
Education
Be at least 16 years of age
Is legally able to work in Canada
Meet the legal requirements for the chosen trade
Have a sponsor (employer) in Ontario who is qualified to hire and train you
A strong foundation in math, sciences, and communications is usually important along with problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork and digital skills
Many industrial, service, and motive power trades require Grade 12 or equivalent (ACE, CAEC/GED)
Many construction trades accept Grade 10, but employers often prefer Grade 12 or higher and can require more than the minimum (specific courses, tests, etc)
Pathways to Apprenticeship include:
Pathways to Apprenticeship include:
Traditional or Direct route: Find an employer (sponsor) who will hire & train you
Union or Industry approved training: Find a union or trade association who will hire and train you
Pre-apprenticeship program: Complete your Level 1 in-school training and a work placement in a specific trade
College Program in a skilled trade: After graduation, market yourself to apprenticeship employers
Related employment: Apply for entry level jobs with employers who hire apprentices
To start an apprenticeship:
To start an apprenticeship:
You DO NOT apply directly to a college
You DO apply to an employer (individual company, group of employers, unions and trade associations) for a position as an apprentice
Then, you apply to Skilled Trades Ontario to register your apprenticeship
Difference Between an Apprentice and a Journeyperson
Difference Between an Apprentice and a Journeyperson
Apprentice:
Someone working towards certification by training under the supervision of a qualified journeyperson
Journeyperson:
Holds a certificate of qualification (or practices as a journeyperson in a non-compulsory trade)
Can mentor and train an apprentice
The journey to journeyperson is arduous with many contingencies:
Low underlying literacy or undiagnosed learning disabilities
Test anxiety causing exam failures despite competence
Digital skills gaps (every trade now requires registration, documentation, on-job tech)
Unknown barriers that systems can't easily predict or plan for
To find out more about apprenticeship, access the resources based on MTML's events:
To find out more about apprenticeship, access the resources based on MTML's events:
On November 7, 2025, MTML organized an in-person Connecting to Learn event themed: Supporting Apprenticeship Success through literacy. As the event was not recorded, MTML developed this resource based on the sessions that day. Download it here.
Part 1_Connecting to Learn (1).pdfOn November 21, 2025, MTML organized a professional development day: Building Foundations: Literacy and Numeracy for Skilled Trades Success. Recording available. The below resource booklet was developed based on the day. To download, click here.
PD-APP and Get SET Part 2 (1).pdfPage updated
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