Important Definitions
What is an apprenticeship?An apprenticeship is an educational pathway that combines on-the-job training, work experience and technical training that leads to certification in many trades. These trades include everything from: automotive service technician to electrician to hairstylist.
Apprenticeships begin once a student signs a Registered Training Agreement (RTA) with an approved sponsor/employer. If a student is not yet 18 years old, they must also have parental permission to proceed with the RTA process.
What is an RTA?
Some OYAP participants, who meet the eligibility criteria (as mentioned above), may have the opportunity to enter into a training agreement with a sponsor and register this agreement with MLITSD. This is referred to as a Registered Training Agreement (RTA).
The signing of an RTA is dependent upon finding an employer who is willing to sponsor an OYAP participant.
What is a TDA?
A Training Delivery Agent (TDA) is a ministry approved training provider (usually a local college or private institution) who have skilled tradespeople qualified to deliver the "in-school" Apprenticeship Training Standards for a specific trade. The skills training provided by all TDAs meets industry standards and prepares apprentices for successful completion of the Certificate of Apprenticeship and/or the Certificate of Qualification.
What is a Certificate of Apprenticeship?
When you complete your training as an apprentice, you get a Certificate of Apprenticeship which proves you've met the requirements for your trade. This certificate proves you've met both mandatory training standards and required hours of training.
What is a Certificate of Qualification?
A
Certificate of Qualification (CofQ) is required for some skilled trade professions. With a Certificate of Qualification, you may be able to secure better pay, have more job opportunities and/or take on more responsibility on the job site.
What is a non-compulsory trade?
Apprenticeship programs are available in all non-compulsory trades. Individuals practicing non-compulsory trades do not need a Registered Training Agreement, Provisional Certificate of Qualification or Certificate of Qualification to practice legally in Ontario and do not appear in the Skilled Trades Ontario Public Register.
What is a compulsory trade?
To legally work in a compulsory trade, you must hold a Certificate of Qualification or Provisional Certificate of Qualification issued by Skilled Trades Ontario or be registered as an apprentice with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and hold a Registered Training Agreement. Your information must appear in the Skilled Trades Ontario Public Register.
For a full list of non-compulsory and compulsory trades – click
here.
