Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) is expanding on-site certification exam delivery to all Training Delivery Agents (TDAs) that offer a final level of in-class apprenticeship training.

The announcement was made by Skilled Trades Ontario CEO Candice White during remarks at the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario’s 66th Annual Convention in Windsor.

“This expansion marks another important milestone in our work to modernize and improve Ontario’s apprenticeship system,” said Candice White, CEO of Skilled Trades Ontario.

“By bringing exams directly to where apprentices train, we’re removing barriers, reducing wait times, and helping more skilled trades professionals get certified and into the workforce faster.”

This expansion builds on a pilot launched under the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD), which began with 31 TDA locations across the province.

While the expansion is welcomed, it comes on the heels of reports of significant delays in exam scheduling earlier this year. Apprentices and employers reported they had faced months-long waits for available testing slots, with some citing technical issues and limited regional capacity.

Since assuming responsibility for exam administration on April 2, 2025, Skilled Trades Ontario has broadened on-site delivery to 54 TDA locations.

As of today, the program is being made permanent and will be available to all TDAs who are authorized to provide final level training— over 100 locations across Ontario — ensuring that eligible apprentices can write their final certification exams directly at their training location.

Skilled Trades Ontario has acknowledged these challenges and said improvements to scheduling and system reliability are ongoing.

“Skilled trades workers are essential to building Ontario’s future. We’re helping apprentices reach certification faster and with fewer barriers,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

“This investment gives apprentices more flexibility to get the training they need and delivers more certified workers ready to take on the jobs that keep our economy growing.”

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