New Journeyperson to apprentice ratios now in effect

More opportunities for apprentices to train

TORONTO, April 15, 2014 /CNW/ - The Ontario College of Trades (the College) announces new trade ratios are now in effect.

"For the first time in Ontario there is an open and transparent process in place to review all trades subject to ratios," said Registrar and CEO David Tsubouchi. "Never before has a comprehensive review of all 33 ratios been done in the province."

Of the 156 trades in Ontario, 33 are subject to journeyperson to apprentice ratios. The new regulation (O.Reg.104/14) posted brings all ratios under one regulation, standardizes the way ratios are expressed, and implements the remaining 2013 Ratio Review Panel decisions to change ratios — the ratios for Cement (Concrete) Finisher and Floor Covering Installer were previously set out in a separate regulation in April 2013.

In 2012, the College initiated an independent, criteria-based, open and transparent process to review all ratios that gave skilled trades professionals and the public the opportunity to participate in the decision-making.

The ratio reviews were conducted by independent Review Panels — chaired by vice chairs from the Ontario Labour Relations Board. The Review Panels review all written and oral submissions against set criteria (i.e. economic impact of the ratio and the health and safety of the apprentice) in order to decide the appropriate journeyperson to apprentice ratio for the trade.

In 2013, the Review Panels completed their review of all 33 trades subject to ratios. As a result, 15 of the 33 changed. Of the 15 trades with ratio changes, 14 trades' ratios were decreased (i.e. fewer journeypersons required per apprentice) and one trade's ratio was increased (i.e. more journeypersons required per apprentice).

Journeyperson to apprentice ratios exist in certain trades to ensure the safety and quality of on-the-job training of apprentices, while providing for the future skilled labour needs of industry. Ratios determine the number of apprentices who may be sponsored or employed in relation to the number of journeypersons employed in particular trades. Ratios vary by trade as each trade and sector has particular needs and characteristics.

For a list of trades subject to ratios and the new ratios, visit the College's website.

Quick Facts

• In Ontario, the most commonly occurring ratio in the trades is 1:1.
• The ratio review process is initiated every four years and will begin again in 2016.
• 2007 was the last time in Ontario that a ratio was reviewed and amended prior to the ratio review process undertaken by the College.

To learn more about the College or access the public register, visit www.collegeoftrades.ca. Follow us on Twitter @collegeoftrades.

SOURCE: Ontario College of Trades

For media inquiries, please contact: Matthew Moir, 647-847-3072, [email protected]