Clean Slate: Ontario launches new one-stop skilled trades platform
Toronto, Ontario — With the unceremonious send-off of the Ontario College of Trades (OCOT) two months in the past, the provincial government has announced that the new Skilled Trades Ontario agency has officially launched. The Ontario government is viewing this new institution as a step toward better aligning the province with a model that addresses […]
Left Behind: More than 30 Ontario trades inspectors to be laid off for new Skilled Trades Ontario model
Toronto, Ontario — Does the line, “I give you my word: not one single person will be laid off when I become Premier,” ring any bells to any Ontarians? Because the province’s skilled trades inspectors are reeling after the Ford government issued layoff notices to more than 30 Ontario College of Trades (OCOT) employees. “We […]
Ford’s Failure: Ontario has not enforced mandatory credentials in skilled trades since 2018, CBC reports
Toronto, Ontario — Since 2018, the government of Ontario has not enforced its law requiring skilled tradespeople to maintain the mandatory credentials needed to do their job, CBC News reported Wednesday. Yes, you read that right. For three years now, the Ontario government has allegedly failed to make sure tradespeople are actually licensed to be […]
Ontario College of Trades suspends billings and fees to technicians
By CRM staff Toronto, Ontario – April 16, 2019 – The Ontario College of Trades annual membership fees have been reduced. For apprenticeship class members, journeyperson candidate class members, tradesperson class members it costs zero dollars and $60 for journeyperson class members. The College has placed a temporary pause on membership fee collection in order […]
Ford cuts Ontario College of Trades
By CRM Staff Toronto, Ontario — October 24, 2018 —Ontario’s provincial government has announced the that the Ontario College of Trades will cease operations in early 2019 after a winding down period. The Making Ontario Open for Business Act, which also scuttled plans for a raise the minimum wage, also lays out plans for the […]
Collision repair highlighted at first ever Ontario College of Trades diversity symposium
By Tom Davis Toronto, Ontario — November 13, 2017 — Over the next 10 years Canada will lose hundreds of thousands of skilled tradespeople due to retirements, according to the Ontario College of Trades. Guiding young people, women, indigenous peoples, new Canadians and those with disabilities into the collision repair sector is the key to […]
CIIA to hold new Certification of Qualification prep courses
By Tom Davis Hamilton, Ontario — October 20, 2017 — Collision Industry Information Assistance (CIIA) has scheduled three classes in November and December to help unlicensed techs successfully complete their provincial trades license exam. The CIIA regularly runs preparation courses for the Certification of Qualification exams that some technicians – those who have the necessary […]
Technician prep course coming in June
By CRM Staff Toronto, Ontario — May 10, 2017 — Collision Industry Information Assistance (CIIA) has scheduled a new class to help unlicensed techs successfully complete Ontario’s provincial trades license exam. CIIA is currently offering the Certificate of Qualification prep course in Toronto, Ontario, near Pearson International Airport. The format is four full days. The […]
Ontario College of Trades to hold consultations on compliance and enforcement
Toronto, Ontario — February 9, 2017 — The Ontario College of Trades (OCOT) has announced it will hold regional consultations to hear input and feedback from industry stakeholders, members of the public and trade representatives. The consultations are to discuss OCOT’s Compliance and Enforcement Policy, currently in development. The Ontario College of Trades and Apprenticeship […]
Ontario College of Trades holding online consultations
Toronto, Ontario — February 5, 2017 — The Ontario College of Trades (OCOT) has announced it will hold an online consultation on a number of topics related to the College and its mandate. The online consultation covers Journeyperson to Apprentice Ratios, OCOT’s Compliance and Enforcement Policy, Trade Classification Review Referrals and Program Evaluation Process. The […]
