Apprenticeship trade school 2024

NEW in 2024 – Skilled Trades Ontario (STO), along with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD), has implemented a new curriculum standard for the following three electrical trades in Ontario:

Electrician – Construction and Maintenance (309A)
Industrial Electrician (442A)
Electrician – Domestic and Rural (309C)

STO led the development of the new curriculum standard, which sets out the required learning content for the in-class technical training for the above three trades. The development and validation process included representatives from the approved Training Delivery Agents (TDAs) in Ontario as well as a diverse cross section of industry representatives. This new version will replace the 2003 curriculum that is currently being delivered in the province.

What are the levels and duration of in-class technical training in the new curriculum?

Level 1 – 270 hours for 309A, 442A & 309C
Level 2 – 270 hours for 309A, 442A & 309C
Level 3 – 270 hours for 309A, 442A & 309C
NEW Level 4 – 240 hours for 309A and 442A only

When will the implementation of the new curriculum begin?

The new curriculum is being implemented in a progressive phased-in approach over a 3-year period:

The new Level 1 will be implemented by all TDAs as of September 1, 2024.
The new Level 2 will be implemented by all TDAs as of September 1, 2025.
The new Level 3 will be implemented by all TDAs as of September 1, 2026.
The new Level 4 (309A Construction and Maintenance Electrician and 442A Industrial Electrician only) will also be implemented by all TDAs as of September 1, 2026.

How will these changes impact my apprenticeship program?

The instructions below apply to all three trades unless otherwise specified.

All new apprentices registered on and after September 1, 2024, will be required to complete the new Level 1 and all subsequent levels of the new curriculum as applicable.
Apprentices who were registered prior to September 1, 2024, and who have not successfully completed any classroom training of the 2003 curriculum before September 1, 2024, will be required to complete all levels of the new curriculum including the new Level 4 as applicable. Note: The new Level 4 does not apply to apprentices registered in the Electrician – Domestic and Rural trade.
TDAs, based on availability, will continue to offer the existing 2003 curriculum only to apprentices registered before September 1, 2024, and only until the implementation date for each level of the new curriculum:
- Level 1 of the 2003 curriculum will only be available until August 31, 2024.
- Level 2 of the 2003 curriculum will only be available until August 31, 2025.
- Level 3 of the 2003 curriculum will only be available until August 31, 2026.
Existing apprentices (registered before September 1, 2024) who have completed all the required classroom training under the previous 2003 version of the curriculum are not required to complete any additional classroom training to complete their apprenticeship program.
New levels of the curriculum will be made available on or after the implementation dates listed in the summary of phased implementation section. When a registered apprentice takes the new Level 1 program on and after September 1, 2024, they will be required to take the new Levels 2, 3 & 4, as applicable once they become available.

Will exemption tests still be available?

New exemption tests are being developed for the new curriculum. The exemption tests for the existing 2003 curriculum will remain available only until each level of the new curriculum is implemented. For a more information on the changes, please visit the Skilled Trades Ontario website or inquire with your local Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Apprenticeship office