Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Resources for Get SET Practitioners

QUILL Learning Network created this site to provide information and resources to the Get SET (Skills, Education, and Training) Practitioners 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. 

On this page, you will find:

• New apprenticeship resources that are beneficial for Get SET Practitioners

• Links to 12 trade profile and resource pages for the the most in-demand trades in the QUILL region, with customized resources including: essential skills and labour market profiles, assessment resources, literacy tools, Red Seal resources, training standards, and local training providers

• Frequently asked questions about apprenticeship

• A list of all recognized skilled trades in Ontario, their identifying markers, and the number of apprentices working in that trade in Ontario

In the side menu, you will find:

• Literacy links to apprenticeship: All apprenticeship-focused resources developed by other Learning Networks in Ontario

• General apprenticeship information and resources, including curriculum links that could be helpful for all apprenticeship-path learners

• 12 trade profile and resource pages  for the the most in-demand trades in the QUILL region

• MLITSD Contacts for the QUILL region

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

LLSC - A comprehensive LBS Apprenticeship Toolkit -  Available for use by adult literacy programs across the province of Ontario. The toolkit includes infographics, videos, curriculum booklets, webinar recordings and a navigation guide of existing apprenticeship focused resources, tailored to the needs of frontline Get SET program facilitators - Nov 2025

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

• ARISE Project Resource List

• ARISE Apprenticeship Pathway Resources 

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

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

CF - 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

MNN - Skilled Trades Resources List - Sept 2021 (Tip: Press Ctrl + F and search for keyword to quickly find a resource across all tabs)

MNN - Skilled Trades Resource List - Oct 2025 (English resources updated)

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a structured form of trades training where apprentices learn by doing.  Apprentices get hands-on experience instead of just reading or listening.  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.  This training 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.  This agreement is registered with Skilled Trades Ontario. Learn more about starting an apprenticeship on the Skilled Trades Ontario website.

What is a sponsor?

A sponsor is responsible for making sure that an apprentice receives the training required as part of an apprenticeship program.  A sponsor is often the apprentices' employer.  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.  This certificate 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 apprentice's path to become a journeyperson.

• Certificate of Qualification – Issued by Skilled Trades Ontario.  If a trade has a certifying exam,  an apprentice completes that exam 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.  The apprentice or journeyperson need to pass the Red Seal exam to get the Red Seal endorsement. 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.  But in comparison, there are roughly 110,000 Tractor-Trailer Commercial Drivers working in the province.