MODERNIZING ONTARIO’S SKILLED TRADES SYSTEM TO

meet the demands of the 21st century economy

WHY A COLLEGE?

Skilled trades are the backbone of our

economy. Hardworking men and women

build and maintain Ontario’s infrastruc-

ture and provide services that we all

rely on every day.

Our economy is growing, but the labour

force isn’t able to keep up. Ontario will

face serious skilled trade shortages in

the near future if we don’t take action

now. We need to attract new workers

to the trades if we’re going to maintain

our competitive edge.

Through the Ontario College of Trades,

industry and tradespeople are working

together to build a better future for our

province.

Standards

FOR INDUSTRY, BY INDUSTRY

The Ontario College of Trades is

an industry-driven organization

with a mandate to modernize and

promote the skilled trades.

It is governed by employers and

workers together—people who

recognize the College as a vital

investment in our economic

future.

PROTECTING THE PUBLIC

For businesses and consumers,

the Ontario College of Trades’

work is about ensuring skills,

standards and safety.

The College will help businesses

and consumers know who’s

qualified—and help protect them

from those who aren’t.

By promoting the trades and

protecting the consumer, the

Ontario College of Trades means

better business for everyone.

ROLE OF THE COLLEGE

The Ontario College of Trades is

North America’s first industry-

driven regulatory body for skilled

trades. Our mission is to promote,

regulate and govern the skilled

trades on Ontario.

We do this by:

1. Promoting the skilled trades

as a career of first choice

2. Ensuring that members

are certified and qualified

3. Investigating complaints

4. Supporting public under-

standing of skilled trades

“People who are out in the field every day

see what goes on, what needs to be done.

Membership is a source of pride. You can

tell clients and employers: ‘I am there.

I am registered. I am professional.’”

Jason Yull, Carpenter, Brantford

“It is important to show consumers

– and people in general – how important

the trades are. Nothing happens

without tradespeople.”

Sue Warren, Marine Equipment Technician, Rockport

BENEFITS OFMEMBERSHIP

The Ontario College of Trades promotes

standards and professionalism in the

skilled trades. The College is about

elevating the trades. Our goals are

to promote each profession and

each professional, and to expand

opportunities for skilled tradespeople

and apprentices. Your membership in

the College is an investment in your

future—and in the future of Ontario.

+Skills“I think it is important that we are able to

regulate ourselves as much as possible,

because nobody knows our industry like the

professionals that are in it.”

Chelsea Renaud, Hairstylist, Ottawa

“The College is a good investment in

the future of all trades to ensure the

continuity and general promotion of the

quality of the trades.”

Hardy Jalloh, Construction Craft Worker, Toronto

SKILLED TRADES

PROFESSIONALS

Promotes professional

respect and public

confidence

Provides a competi-

tive advantage with

employers

Gives skilled trades-

people a stronger voice

in setting training and

certification standards

EMPLOYERS

Allows members to

have a say in decisions

affecting skilled trades

and their business

Offers protection from

uncertified workers and

unregistered employers

Ensures skilled trades-

persons are certified

to current standards

and that new talent

is attracted to the

workforce

CONSUMERS AND

THE PUBLIC

Ensures College members

are trained and certified

to high standards

A public registry of

certified members will

protect consumers from

uncertified practitioners

The College will help

strengthen the economy

by responding to evolving

needs and innovation

APPRENTICES

AND YOUTH

Training and certification

standards are set by

industry professionals

in response to industry

needs

Receive professional

support while learning

their trade

Get an edge in competi-

tive job markets

IT’S THE LAW

The College was established by the

Province of Ontario in 2009, and is

governed by the Ontario College of

Trades and Apprenticeship Act. Under

the legislation, the College has the

mandate and powers to regulate all ap-

proved trades in Ontario, and will perform

standard regulatory functions such as:

• Issuing licenses and certificates of

membership

• Protecting the public interest through

investigation and discipline mechanisms

• Setting standards for training and

certification

• Removing barriers and increasing access

for internationally trained workers

WHO IS A MEMBER?

There are more than

150 skilled trades in

Ontario, 22 of which

are legally required

to be members of the

College. This includes

170,000 journeypersons

and 100,000 apprentices.

Workers in other trades

can choose to join and

gain the benefits of

membership.

=Success“Quality employers want quality employees.

They are going to go after those who have

a genuine education, something to back up

what they are capable of doing.”

Nadia Blackburn, Horticultural Technician, Mississauga

“Accountability is the biggest thing. We want

qualified people doing the work that they say

they are qualified to do.”

Jeff Hubers, Sprinkler & Fire Protection Installer, Little Britain

By promoting the trades and protecting consumers, the Ontario College of Trades

means better business for everyone. We promote standards and professionalism

in the skilled trades and expand opportunities for skilled tradespeople.

The College will help businesses and the public know who’s qualified—and help

protect them from those who aren’t. When professions regulate themselves, not

relying on government, it’s a sign of strength and success.

PROTECTINGTHE PUBLIC

For more information about the Ontario College of Trades or to inquire about membership or learn how the College is working to build a stronger future, please contact us or visit our website:

Ontario College of Trades655 Bay St., Suite 600Toronto, ON M5G 2K4

Telephone: 647-847-3000Toll free: 1-855-299-0028Fax: 1-866-398-0368info@collegeoftrades.ca

www.collegeoftrades.ca

Standards. Skills. Success. We are the Ontario College of Trades.