​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Important Definitions

An apprenticeship is an educational pathway that combines on-the-job training, work experience and technical training that leads to certification in many trades. These trades include everything from: automotive service technician to electrician to hairstylist. 

 

Apprenticeships begin once a student signs a Registered Training Agreement (RTA) with an approved sponsor/employer. If a student is not yet 18 years old, they must also have parental permission to proceed with the RTA process. ​ 

 

Some OYAP participants, who meet the eligibility criteria (as mentioned above), may have the opportunity to enter into a training agreement with a sponsor and register this agreement with MLITSD. This is referred to as a Registered Training Agreement (RTA). 

 

The signing of an RTA is dependent upon finding an employer who is willing to sponsor an OYAP participant. ​

 

A Training Delivery Agent (TDA) is a ministry approved training provider (usually a local college or private institution) who have skilled tradespeople qualified to deliver the "in-school" Apprenticeship Training Standards for a specific trade. The skills training provided by all TDAs meets industry standards and prepares apprentices for successful completion of the Certificate of Apprenticeship and/or the Certificate of Qualification. ​

 

When you complete your training as an apprentice, you get a Certificate of Apprenticeship which proves you've met the requirements for your trade. This certificate proves you've met both mandatory training standards and required hours of training. 

 

A Certificate of Qualification​​ (CofQ) is required for some skilled trade professions. With a Certificate of Qualification, you may be able to secure better pay, have more job opportunities and/or take on more responsibility on the job site.

 

Apprenticeship programs are available in all non-compulsory trades. Individuals practicing non-compulsory trades do not need a Registered Training Agreement, Provisional Certificate of Qualification or Certificate of Qualification to practice legally in Ontario and do not appear in the Skilled Trades Ontario Public Register.​ ​

 

To legally work in a compulsory trade, you must hold a Certificate of Qualification or Provisional Certificate of Qualification issued by Skilled Trades Ontario or be registered as an apprentice with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development​ and hold a Registered Training Agreement. Your information must appear in the Skilled Trades Ontario Public Register.​ 

 

For a full list of non-compulsory and compulsory trades – click here​.

 

​Explore some of the trades offered by OYAP​

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