Skilled Trades Ontario hands out first certificates of qualification
Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) will soon issue certificates of qualification, as well as wallet cards for apprentices and certified skilled trades workers across the province.
The organization made the announcement at a ceremony on July 24 when it issued its first new certificate of qualification wallet cards to two journeypersons at a ceremony in Guelph.
“This is an exciting milestone for thousands of skilled trades professionals,” said Melissa Young, CEO and Registrar, Skilled Trades Ontario. “Not only do certificates of qualification and wallet cards serve to validate credentials, but they are also a testament to the hard work, resilience and unwavering dedication behind every certified skilled trades professional.”
Over the coming months, skilled trades professionals in compulsory and non-compulsory trades who received their certification after January 1, 2022, will begin receiving their certificates of qualification in the mail. STO aims to deliver more than 17,500 certificates of qualification and more than 200,000 wallet cards.
A certificate of qualification is an official document that proves that a person is qualified to work in a particular skilled trade in Ontario. To obtain a certificate of qualification, individuals are required to have passed their certification exam and have met all requirements to practice their trade in Ontario.
Beginning this fall, wallet cards will be issued to apprentices and certified compulsory and non-compulsory skilled trades professionals in the province. Wallet cards can be easily carried while working on the job, in the event they are requested by inspectors or clients.
“It’s an honour to be one of the first recipients of the Skilled Trades Ontario certificate of qualification,” said Matthew Culbert, General Machinist, Linamar Corporation. “After years of hard work and perseverance, I am proud to be able to hang this on my wall.”
“I’m proud to accept this refreshed certificate of qualification with my Red Seal endorsement, and I look forward to proudly displaying it in my classroom. I would like to thank Skilled Trades Ontario for their support in commemorating this special occasion,” said Michelle Marie Brush-Jacklin, Hairstylist.
Since launching last year, Skilled Trades Ontario has provided online verification of the status and license details of compulsory apprentices and journeypersons on its online public register. This service will continue to be publicly available and updated.
Certificates of qualification issued prior to January 1, 2022, will continue to be valid and recognized by Skilled Trades Ontario.