Skilled Trades Ontario Responsibilities:
Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) is a Crown agency that has replaced the Ontario College of Trades. It is responsible for skilled trades certification in Ontario, which includes:
- Establishing apprenticeship programs, including training standards, curriculum standards and certification exams
- Assessing experience and qualifications of individuals who have not completed an apprenticeship program in Ontario
- Issuing Certificates of Qualification (C of Q) in all trades with certifying exams
- Renewing C of Q in compulsory trades
- Maintaining a Public Register of people authorized to work in compulsory trades
- Conducting research in relation to apprenticeship and the trades
The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) has oversight of trades legislation and regulation, including prescribing/deprescribing trades, scopes of practice, trade classifications and ratios. The MLTSD has also assumed responsibility for compliance and enforcement through its Occupational Health and Safety Inspectorate.