Trades Get New Ontario College

April 18, 2011

For the more than 400,000 people in Ontario employed in the trades and those apprenticing or studying to become a journeyperson, the new Ontario College of Trades should have a major impact on the way the trades work, are learned, and are regulated.

“The Ontario College of Trades is a completely self-regulatory body. It’s made for the trades, and by the trades,” said Rod Cameron, chair of the college’s Appointments Council. “This organization is an opportunity to use our knowledge and expertise to improve our working conditions, revitalize our work force, and ensure the highest standards for the work that we do.”

In the past the government was responsible for approving both apprenticeships and trades systems, but in October 2009 the Ontario government introduced legislation to pass these responsibilities on to the trades themselves. This organization is the first college in Canada to exclusively represent tradespeople.

The Ontario College of Trades is also currently recruiting for its Board of Governors, four divisional trade boards, and individual trade boards. When it becomes fully operational by July 2012, the college will represent journeypeople and apprentices in more than 150 trades.

“We want to communicate the vital work that tradespeople do, and the skills and training that go into doing it,” said Cameron. “That’s the way to ensure that the trades offer excellent career options and working conditions and the best possible service to the public, now and in the future.”

For more information, visit www.collegeoftrades.ca.