Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Resources for LBS 

This site exists to provide information and resources to the Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) instructors working with learners interested in the apprenticeship/skills training goal path.   This compilation is not exhaustive and is only a sampling of what is available.  

To suggest resources to add, email:  execdir@quillnetwork.ca  

ARISE: Apprenticeship Readiness Inventory Skills Evaluation.  The ARISE Project was created by LLSC to identify and address the hidden learning barriers that prevent apprentices from progressing or staying in the trades.  The project will develop resources for LBS Practitioners, learners, and employers - Oct 2025

Changes to the delivery of apprenticeship and certifying exam services - April 2025

The Apprenticeship Connection Newsletter from the LNO  (2021-2024)

Innovative Resource Hub to Simplify Access to Industry Information - May 2024

Ontario Pre-Apprenticeship Programs (2023-2024) - Please note - the full list of 2025 programs have not yet been publicly posted

CLO - Apprenticeship and Skilled Trades Through the Lens of the Apprenticeship Report - March 2022

CLO - Apprenticeship/Skilled Trades Resource Guide - April 2021

Skilled Trades Resources List - English and French from MNN  (this link opens an Excel file.  Tip: Press Ctrl + F and search for keyword to quickly find a resource across all tabs)

Skilled Trades Resource List - English resources updated 

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a structured form of trades training where apprentices learn by doing. Instead of just reading or listening, apprentices get hands-on experience. Most of the time (about 80%), they work and learn on the job from skilled journeypersons.  The remaining time (about 20%) is spent in classroom-based learning.  Typically, apprentices work for a year or more, then take 8-12 weeks of classroom training, which might take place at a college, a union training center, or another learning space. This cycle continues until the apprentice complete the program.  Apprenticeships take 2 to 5 years, depending on the trade.

Registered Training Agreement - An apprenticeship begins when the apprentice signs a  Registered Training Agreement with a sponsor and registers it with Skilled Trades Ontario. Learn more about starting an apprenticeship on the Skilled Trades Ontario website.

What is a sponsor?

A sponsor is typically the apprentice’s employer in Ontario and is responsible for making sure that an apprentice receives the training required as part of an apprenticeship program.  A sponsor can be an individual (e.g., a certified journeyperson, contractor, or employer) or a group (e.g., union, industry association, or consortium). 

What is a journeyperson?

In Ontario, a journeyperson is one who has completed their apprenticeship and holds a Certificate of Qualification. This certification is obtained after completing the required hands-on experience and in-school training.  A certified journeyperson is qualified to work in their trade (both compulsory and non-compulsory trades) and can mentor apprentices. Learn more about finishing an apprenticeship on the Skilled Trades Ontario website.  A journeyperson may hold of one or more of the following:

Certificate of Apprenticeship – Issued by Skilled Trades Ontario and confirms an apprentice has completed all requirements of their apprenticeship program.  If a trade does not have a certifying exam, this is the final step in an apprentices path to become a journeyperson.

Certificate of Qualification – Issued by Skilled Trades Ontario.  If a trade has a certifying exam,  an apprentice completes that to get a Certificate of Qualification to prove they have all the skills needed for the job. In compulsory trades, a Certificate of Qualification is needed to work legally in Ontario and needs to be renewed at regular intervals. In non-compulsory trades, a Certificate of Qualification does not need to be renewed.

Red Seal Endorsement – Issued by Red Seal.  If a trade is part of the Red Seal program, a Red Seal endorsement indicates that the journeyperson has knowledge and skills necessary to practice their trade across Canada.  To get the Red Seal endorsement, the apprentice or journeyperson need to pass the Red Seal exam. Tradespersons who have successfully passed the Red Seal examination receive a Red Seal endorsement on their provincial/territorial trade certificate.

What is a compulsory trade?

In Ontario, there are 23 compulsory trades. To work in one of the 23 compulsory trades in Ontario, a tradesperson must hold a valid Certificate of Qualification, or Provisional Certificate of Qualification, or Registered Training Agreement.

All compulsory trades have certifying exams. Journeypersons in compulsory trades must renew their Certificate of Qualification each year.  There are some exceptions, which you can read about on the Skilled Trades Ontario website.  A compulsory trade is sometimes referred to as a "restricted" or "regulated" trade.

What is a non-compulsory trade?

In Ontario, there are 121 non-compulsory trades. This mean that a tradesperson doesn't need to be a registered apprentice or certified journeyperson to work in a non-compulsory trade. However, some of these trades do offer certifying exams and Certificates of Qualification.  A non-compulsory trade is sometimes referred to as a "voluntary" trade.

In a non-compulsory trade, a potential apprentice may struggle to find an sponsor (depending on labour market trends and employer demand).  For example, there are roughly 1,100 Tractor-Trailer Commercial Driver Apprentices in Ontario, whereas there are roughly 110,000 Tractor-Trailer Commercial Drivers working in the province.

Disclaimer: QUILL Learning Network  does not take responsibility for the content contained within each website found on this Google site. If you have questions or concerns about a website found here, we suggest you contact those responsible for that website. 

Click here for more information about the  QUILL Learning Network