We now outline key developments in the evolution of apprenticeship legislation in Ontario, starting with the Apprenticeship Act. The statutes governing the province’s apprenticeship and certification system have sought to address a broad set of social policy and public interest goals within the skilled trades system over time. The evolution of this legislative history shows the measured steps that governments have taken to ensure the modernization of the apprenticeship and skilled trades system. At the same time, the various acts and regulations have led to the complexities of today’s system. One of those complexities arises from the long-standing involvement of employers and trade unions in training and apprenticeship. This has brought significant benefits to the system, but it also means that a mix of private and public interests are woven into its fabric.

1928
The Apprenticeship Act was passed to address skilled trades training of “minors” between 16 and 21 years of age in the construction trades of bricklayer, mason, carpenter, painter and plasterer. Additional trades were added in the following years.
1944
The Apprenticeship Act introduced compulsory certification for the trade motor vehicle repairer to protect the public from faulty work. In 1963, revisions to the Apprenticeship Act allowed applicants 16 years of age and over to enter apprenticeship-training programs.
1964
Apprenticeship reforms were undertaken with recommendations of the Select Committee on Manpower Training. The Apprenticeship and Tradesmen’s Qualification Act was introduced, replacing the Apprenticeship Act. The Act also introduced compulsory certification to some existing trades and apprenticeship programs.
1990
The Apprenticeship and Tradesmen’s Qualification Act was renamed the Trades Qualification and Apprenticeship Act. There were no significant changes to the existing legislative framework.
1998
Apprenticeship reform consultations undertaken by the Minister of Education and Training from 1996 to 1998 led to the passage of the Apprenticeship and Certification Act. The new act introduced the concept of skill sets and restricted skill sets rather than compulsory trades. The Trades Qualification and Apprenticeship Act was amended to only apply to construction trades. The Apprenticeship and Certification Act applied to all trade sectors, including some construction trades.
2009
The provincial legislature passed the Ontario College of Trades and Apprenticeship Act, replacing the Trades Qualification and Apprenticeship Act and the Apprenticeship and Certification Act. The Ontario College of Trades and Apprenticeship Act, was introduced following the receipt of recommendations and reports by the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities from special advisors Mr. Tim Armstrong and Justice Kevin Whitaker. The act established the College, and transferred a number of functions to it, including the determination of whether a trade should have compulsory certification status and establishing appropriate journeyperson to apprentice ratios.