Currently in Ontario, in order to work as an apprentice, you must be a registered member of the Ontario College of Trade’s Apprentices Class, which works to regulate the skilled trades in our province. The Ontario College of Trades is responsible for making sure that anyone working in the trades has the necessary training and certification to legally practice their trade in Ontario. The College has responsibility to: issue certificates of qualification and statements of membership, establish apprenticeship and training programs, form the process for determining appropriate apprentice to journeyperson ratios and for trade classification reviews, and establish the scope of practice for trades.

To become a member of the Ontario College of Trades, you must hold a Registered Training Agreement with the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development. Once your training agreement has been registered by the ministry, the first step to becoming a member of the College’s Apprentices Class is to complete a Member Application Form. For more information about becoming a member and where to find member application forms, contact the Ontario College of Trades or visit their website: http://www.collegeoftrades.ca/membership/become-a-member

As a member of the Ontario College of Trades, you will move through the membership classes as you complete your required on-the-job and in-class training, including: the Apprentice Class, Journeyperson Candidate Class and upon successful completion of your Certificate of Qualification exam, the Journeyperson Class.  You must pay annual membership fees, as well as exam fees, which are outlined on the Ontario College of Trades website. Please note that failure to pay your membership fees may result in suspension of membership, or suspension of your certificate of qualification.

The Ontario College of Trades also offers a helpful preparation guide for its’ members with information about your Certificate of Qualification exam, which includes information about: exam preparation resources specialized supports, study plans and schedules, exam day tips and requirements, self-assessment checklists, how to obtain your results and more.