As of April 2, 2025, Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) is now the primary point of contact for apprenticeship services in the province, taking over key responsibilities previously held by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD).

The shift includes oversight of apprenticeship registrations, completions, and certifying exams. STO will now register training agreements, authorize sponsors, and issue Certificates of Apprenticeship. It will also fully administer certifying exams, including scheduling, delivery, and accommodations.

“As part of this change, Skilled Trades Ontario will take full responsibility for certifying exams… and will be working closely with training delivery agents to ensure the delivery of offsite exams continues,” said STO CEO Candice White in a public letter.

While STO assumes many frontline functions, MLITSD retains oversight of apprenticeship policy, in-school training approvals, financial supports and youth and pre-apprenticeship programs. Class invitations will still be issued by the ministry, and training delivery agents (TDAs) will continue using the EOIS-APPR system to manage enrollment and track apprentice progress.

To support the transition, STO will assign dedicated representatives to TDAs, large sponsors, and employers, with a focus on personalized service. Additional support will be tailored for rural and northern regions in collaboration with stakeholders.

Key Changes at a Glance

• Registrations & Completions: STO now registers training agreements, approves sponsors, and issues Certificates of Apprenticeship.
• Certifying Exams: STO is now fully responsible for exam administration, including offsite locations.
• Experience Review: STO will assess prior in-school or workplace experience when reviewing applications.

Offsite Exam Administration

STO is expanding offsite exam delivery. Exams will no longer be conducted at MLITSD offices. New exam sites include:

• Toronto (3 locations)
• Mississauga
• London
• Hamilton
• Ottawa
• Barrie
• Sudbury
• Thunder Bay

Additional sites are under consideration as STO continues its offsite exam pilot. Registration is available through Prometric, and STO is working with TDAs and training providers to coordinate logistics.

Contact & Support

STO has extended its call centre hours to 7 AM – 7 PM Mon–Fri., to support the transition.

• Phone: 647-847-3000 | Toll-Free (Ontario only): 1-855-299-0028
• Fax: 1-866-398-0368
• Email: info@skilledtradesontario.ca

This article also appeared in the May/June print issue of Indie Garage. READ THE DIGITAL EDITION HERE.