Skilled Trades Ontario switches to in-house process for certifying exams
AI Article Summary
Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) is shifting to an in-house process for delivering certifying exams in response to increased demand and to streamline the exam experience. From February 1, 2026, STO will directly administer and support the exams, enhancing booking reliability and consistency for apprentices. This change follows suggestions from a review and builds on recent initiatives STO has undertaken to bolster exam support.
What This Means for Canadian Contractors
For Canadian builders, this transition by STO means a more reliable and streamlined process for certifying skilled trades. This change could potentially improve the timelines for workforce readiness, addressing labor shortages faster, and ensuring that a skilled workforce is accessible to meet infrastructure demands. Increased efficiency in certification might also help in lowering delays and costs associated with workforce shortages.