Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) has put out a call for subject-matter experts to help developing standards and examinations to ensure the group continues to meet the needs of industry, apprentices, and trades professionals in the province.

“Ontario is internationally recognized for providing top-tier training and certification standards, following best practices and relying on expert advice,” said Melissa Young, CEO/Registrar, Skilled Trades Ontario. “Today, we are building on that progress by inviting experts across the skilled trades to have their say as we work to ensure apprentices are trained to the highest standard and have the tools they need to succeed in today’s workforce.”

STO’s Standards Industry Advisory Committees will be responsible for providing support to the agency as it develops or updates standards and examinations. Committee participants could be asked to review examination content, skill competencies, and learning outcomes. They will also have the opportunity to contribute their expertise through in-person or online workshops and online surveys.

“Ontario is facing the largest labour shortage in a generation, which means when you have a career in the skilled trades, you have a career for life,” said Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Minister Monte McNaughton. “To continue meeting the needs of employers and apprentices across Ontario, we must focus on attracting and training a new generation of skilled trades workers. These committees will ensure STO is developing standards that reflect what apprentices need to know, better preparing them for meaningful and well-paying careers."

Skilled Trades Ontario is seeking experts working in their sector who have the following qualifications and skills:

• up-to-date, broad knowledge of their trade with specific technical knowledge or experience
• flexibility and commitment to dedicate time and energy to the task at hand
• unbiased attitude
• ability to support Skilled Trades Ontario’s Program Development Specialists
• responsiveness to requests
• communication skills

The agency plans to review standards for a wide range of Red Seal and Ontario trades this year, including automotive service technician, brick layer, sprinkler and fire protection installer and welder.

It also plans to release a strategic plan this spring, which will inform further standards development activities in 2023.

For more information, visit the Skilled Trades Ontario website.