Ontario broadens skilled trades certification with on-site exam program

As of Oct. 17, 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 on Oct. 16. “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 reportedly 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. Since assuming responsibility for exam administration on April 2, 2025, Skilled Trades Ontario has reportedly broadened on-site delivery to 54 TDA locations. As of Oct. 17, the program has been made permanent and is now available at all Training Delivery Agents authorized to provide final-level apprenticeship instruction — more than 100 locations across Ontario — allowing eligible candidates to write their 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.”