Ontario apprenticeship registrations increased by 24% last year

Ottawa – The Ontario government has increased apprenticeship registrations by 24 per cent in the last year – from 21,971 to 27,319 – as more people decide to pursue rewarding, well-paying careers in the skilled trades.

In addition, the second year of the province’s skilled trades career fairs for students will be expanding to more cities.

“There is as much merit in being an electrician or a carpenter as there is in being an architect or a lawyer,” said Monte McNaughton, minister of labour, immigration, training and skills development, in a news release. “I’m thrilled more young people are waking up to the promise of good pay, pensions, and purpose-driven work that the skilled trades offer.”

The historic increase in apprenticeship registrations, including a 28 per cent jump among women, follows more than $1 billion in investment in the skilled trades over three years and the launch of a new agency: Skilled Trades Ontario.

“We are taking action across the board by making it easier for students to have apprenticeships, skills and credentials recognized towards their diploma,” said Stephen Lecce, minister of education.

To reduce the stigma related to the trades and make more students, teachers and parents aware of these life-changing opportunities, Ontario’s skilled trades career fairs for students will be returning for the second year in a row and in more cities. More information on the 2023 fairs, cities, and dates will be announced later this summer.

“Skilled Trades Ontario is thrilled to be partnering with the Ministry to promote these exciting opportunities, break down barriers and empower the next generation of skilled trades professionals to succeed,” said Melissa Young, CEO and registrar of Skilled Trades Ontario.

Students in grades 7 to 12 will have the chance to learn about the 144 different skilled trades through interactive exhibitions and hands-on activities while hearing directly from tradespeople and local employers about these lucrative careers. Last year, 12,800 students, parents, friends, and teachers visited events in Thunder Bay, Sudbury, London, Mississauga and Ottawa.