Skilled Trades Ontario

Ministry

Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development

URL

https://www.skilledtradesontario.ca/

Address

400 University Avenue, 14th Floor
Toronto
M7A1T7

Phone

647-847-3000/ 1-855-299-0028

Fax

1-866-398-0368

Background

Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, 2021, S.O. 2021, c. 28, s38 (opens a new window)

Function

The Agency is responsible for leading the promotion, research and development of apprenticeship program standards and examinations, including digital-first services to skilled trades and apprenticeship clients. The Agency is responsible for promoting inclusivity and diversity in relation to trades and apprenticeship.  

The Agency’s mandate is set out in section 40 of the Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, 2021, S.O. 2021, c.28 (the Act) which states that the Agency’s objects are to:
1. Establish apprenticeship programs and other training programs for trades, including training standards, curriculum standards and certifying examinations.
2. Conduct research and evaluate whether a trade should be prescribed as a trade for the purposes of the Act and to make recommendations on these matters to the Minister.
3. Issue certificates for the purposes of the Act.
4. Assess whether the experience and qualifications obtained by applicants for a certificate of qualification who do not complete an apprenticeship are equivalent to those received through completing an apprenticeship.
5. Maintain a public register of every apprentice in a compulsory trade and every holder of a certificate of qualification in a compulsory trade or provisional certificate of qualification in a compulsory trade.
6. Promote trades and apprenticeship.
7. Conduct research in relation to trades and apprenticeship.
8. Work with other governments in Canada with respect to the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program for apprenticeship and with respect to standards, qualifications and other requirements required for trades.
9. Promote inclusivity and diversity in relation to trades and apprenticeship.
10. Such other objects as may be prescribed.

Membership

The board of directors of the Agency shall consist of not more than 11 members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister.  A majority of the members constitutes a quorum of the board.  The Lieutenant Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister, shall appoint a chief executive officer who shall be an employee of the Agency.

Qualifications

Board members will require highly specialized knowledge of the relevant sectors, including the legislation and regulations associated with the administration of the skilled trades as well as broader labour relations statutes.

Term

The term of office of the members of the board and of the chief executive officer shall be at the pleasure of the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

Meetings

The board shall meet at least six times each year.

Remuneration

Appointees are remunerated according to Schedule A, Level 2 of the Agencies and Appointments Directive.  The Agency shall pay remuneration and benefits to the chief executive officer as is determined by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.  Appointees are eligible to receive expenses in accordance with the Travel, Meal and Hospitality Expenses Directive.

Appointments & Vacancies