Skilled Trades Ontario expands on-site exam access for apprentices

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, effective immediately. The announcement was made on Oct. 17, 2025 by STO Chief Executive Officer Candice White during remarks at the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario’s 68th Annual Convention in Windsor. “This expansion marks another important milestone in our work to modernize and improve Ontario’s apprenticeship system,” said White. “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.” The Sydenham Current caught up with White for an interview. The expansion follows a successful pilot launched under the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD), which began with 31 TDA locations across the province. Since taking over exam administration on April 2, 2025, STO has grown on-site delivery to 54 TDA locations. The program is being made permanent and will be available to all TDAs authorized to provide final-level training—more than 100 locations across Ontario—allowing eligible apprentices to write their final certification exams directly at their training site. “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.” Skilled Trades Ontario is an agency of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development responsible for apprenticeship and skilled trades certification across the province. The agency works to simplify access to services, promote the trades as a career of choice and address ongoing labour shortages in collaboration with government and industry partners. More details at https://www.skilledtradesontario.ca/.