Employers taking on an apprentice for the first time need to register as a Sponsor with Skilled Trades Ontario. You can do this online through STO’s Digital Portal, or by filling out a Sponsor Agreement and emailing or printing and mailing it to Skilled Trades Ontario. Click here for more information including how to send your Sponsor Agreement to STO.

Once Skilled Trades Ontario approves your Sponsorship Agreement, you will receive a Sponsor ID# and can sign a training agreement with your apprentice.

This agreement confirms that:

• The apprentice can apply for financial incentives through the government.
• You (the sponsor) will provide time away from work for the apprentice to complete in-school training.
• The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) will notify your apprentice when seats become available for in-school training.
• You will assign work in compulsory aspects for the trade (work that aligns with the Apprenticeship Training Standards).
• You will track the apprentice’s hours and acquired skills and confirm when they’ve completed their workplace training.

If you have questions or need support during training, contact Skilled Trades Ontario. Or, if you’ve partnered with a group sponsor, you can contact them for support.