Apprenticeship registrations in Ontario jumped by 24 percent in 2022, the province reported on June 13.

Data shows that registrations across apprenticeable trades increased from 21,971 in 2021 to 27,319 in 2022. The province attributes that gain to the various promotional programs put in place by government and industry groups.

“As we build a stronger Ontario that works for everyone, we need to ensure students and jobseekers know about the rewarding life-long careers waiting for them in the skilled trades,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “There is as much merit in being an electrician or a carpenter as there is in being an architect or a lawyer. I’m thrilled more young people are waking up to the promise of good pay, pensions, and purpose-driven work that the skilled trades offer.”

To help deliver the province’s infrastructure plans, including building 1.5 million homes by 2031, Ontario will need over 100,000 new skilled trades workers this decade.

The recent increase in apprenticeship registrations, including a 28-percent jump among women, follows more than $1 billion in investment in the skilled trades over three years.

"We are taking action across the board by making it easier for students to have apprenticeships, skills and credentials recognized towards their diploma,” said Education Minister Stephen Lecce. “This builds on Ontario's recent decision to require all students to take at least one technological education course -- opening up the horizons and opportunities of all students into good-paying STEM and skilled careers."

The province has also announced that it will bring its highly popular skilled trades career fairs for students back for a second year, and that it will be delivered in even more cities around the province.

More information on the 2023 fairs, cities, and dates will be announced later this summer.

“Now is the time to build a rewarding career in the skilled trades,” said Melissa Young, CEO/Registrar of Skilled Trades Ontario. “With record investments being made in infrastructure, we urgently need skilled workers to meet demand. Skilled Trades Ontario is thrilled to be partnering with the Ministry to promote these exciting opportunities, break down barriers and empower the next generation of skilled trades professionals to succeed.”

Students in grades 7 to 12 will have the chance to learn about the 144 different skilled trades through interactive exhibitions and hands-on activities while hearing directly from tradespeople and local employers about these lucrative careers. Last year, 12,800 students, parents and teachers visited events in Thunder Bay, Sudbury, London, Mississauga, and Ottawa.

According to government data, there are 1.3 million people are working in skilled trades-related occupations in Ontario. At least one in three workers in Ontario with an apprenticeship or trade certificate is aged 55 or over and nearing retirement.