Skilled trades · Ontario
Skilled Trades Ontario: what it is, who it is for.
The Ontario organization for apprenticeship, trade certification and information on the more than 140 skilled trades.
By Nick Gonzalez, founder, U.S. Air Force veteranPublished Last reviewed How we research and correct this
About
What STO does
Skilled Trades Ontario describes itself as a one-stop shop for opportunities in the skilled trades, and it promotes trades careers as a way to support Ontario's economy. Its site says Ontario has more than 140 skilled trades.
If you want to start an apprenticeship, check on one you are in, get certified, or have worked in a trade for years and want your skills recognized, its site is where the Ontario steps start.
Programs and initiatives
What they offer
- ApprenticeshipStarting an apprenticeship, support for current apprentices, finishing, provisional certificates of qualification, sponsoring an apprentice, and information for parents.Official site
- Experienced workersRecognized Canadian certificates, trade equivalency assessments and a page for the Canadian Forces.Official site
- CertificationScheduling exams and certificates of qualification.Official site
- Trades informationAn overview of the trades, with pages on compulsory and non-compulsory trades.Official site
- Resource Hub and public registerResearch and resources, a public register, the STO Portal, Standards Industry Advisory Committees and the Ontario Apprenticeship Awards.Official site
Who it is for
Is this for you?
- Future apprentices
- Current apprentices
- Employers who hire or sponsor apprentices
- Experienced workers moving their skills into a certified trade
Launch League is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or a partner of Skilled Trades Ontario. This is our own summary of what it says publicly, read on 2026-11-04. Programs, dates and eligibility change, so confirm on the official site.
Questions
Quick answers
- What is Skilled Trades Ontario?
- It is the Ontario organization that acts as a one-stop shop for the skilled trades: apprenticeship, certification, information on the trades and a public register. Use its own site for anything official.
- How do I start an apprenticeship in Ontario?
- Skilled Trades Ontario has a starting-your-apprenticeship section. In general you need an employer or union sponsor. Our Ontario trades hub walks through the steps, and Skilled Trades Ontario has the official ones.
- Is Launch League part of Skilled Trades Ontario?
- No. Launch League is independent. We summarize public information and send you to the official site to act on it.
Keep going
More for the trades
- $5,000 Red Seal Completion Bonus guideWho qualifies, the dates, what to have ready and how to apply.New
- Apprenticeship grants, loans and incentivesEvery federal program for apprentices, tradespeople and employers in one place, with what is open and what is coming.Funding
- Red Seal trades list: all 54 tradesWhat the Red Seal is, which trades have it and how to register for the exam.List
- Skilled trades organizationsSkilled Trades Ontario, the Skilled Trades Advisory Council, Women on Site, Support Ontario Youth, Jill of All Trades and WEST: what each does and who it is for.Directory