About Us
Your Straightforward Path to an Apprenticeship in Ontario
Across Ontario, tens of thousands of construction employers operate in the open shop sector — meaning they are not affiliated with a union. These independent contractors and small-to-mid-sized businesses make up the majority of the province’s construction industry.
Yet despite their presence, most open shop employers are not participating in apprenticeship programs — not because they don’t want to, but because the system is complicated, unclear, and not built with them in mind.
That’s where Apprenticeship Ontario comes in.
🛠 Why This Site Exists
We created this platform to help employers — especially in rural and smaller communities — understand how apprenticeship actually works, and what pathways are available to them.
Many businesses want to support apprentices but feel overwhelmed by the red tape or confused about where to start. This site simplifies the process, outlines your options, and introduces the Group Sponsor model — a flexible support option that helps reduce the burden on employers.
We’re not here to push one path. We’re here to give you clarity, so you can make informed decisions that fit your business.
✅ What You’ll Find Here
- A clear overview of how apprenticeship works in Ontario
- Step-by-step guidance tailored to open shop employers
- A comparison of employer options: self-managed or supported
- Information about the Group Sponsor model
- Resources and contact options to help you move forward
We believe apprenticeship should be accessible, flexible, and built to reflect how real businesses operate — especially in the communities that rely on trades the most.
👷 Who This Is For
- Construction employers and trades professionals
- Business owners in rural and small-town Ontario
- Employers ready to grow their team
- Anyone trying to navigate apprenticeship without a dedicated Admin or HR department
Whether you’ve supported apprentices before or you’re exploring it for the first time, we’re here to help you take the next step.
🤝 Our Commitment
- Simplifying apprenticeship for employers of all sizes
- Supporting rural workforce development
- Connecting employers with clear, trusted guidance
- Making sure no opportunity is lost because the process felt too complicated
📬 Ready to Learn More?
Whether you need help registering an apprentice, want to explore the Group Sponsor model, or just need a starting point — we’re here to help.
Contact us to get started.