The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development Launches Phase 2 on Classification and Training for Trades

This is the last phase of discussions to replace the Ontario College of Trades and its mandate to recognize trades and the training requirements. OGCA is working with the industry coalition, the Ontario Skilled Trades Alliance, to respond to the discussion paper and make recommendations to support trades training and skills development. 

In September 2020, the Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development appointed a five-member skilled trades panel to provide advice and recommendations to the minister about ways to modernize the skilled trades and apprenticeship system (part of Ontario’s skilled trades strategy).

The panel has started its second phase and would like to hear from you.  In Phase 1 (now closed), the panel provided advice and recommendations on a new service delivery model to replace the current services delivered by the Ontario College of Trades.

In Phase 2, the panel will provide advice and recommendations on matters related to the classification and training for trades, including:

• the criteria and process for trade prescription and process for trade de-prescription
• the criteria and process for trade classification and reclassification
• opportunities for initiatives that complement training for tradespeople

The panel’s Phase 2 website is now live and includes more information on the panel’s consultations. The panel looks forward to your input. 

To learn about the panel’s Phase 2 mandate, and for information on how to provide your feedback, please refer to: https://www.ontario.ca/page/skilled-trades-panel-consultations