Ontario’s skilled trades industry is facing a significant labour shortage. By 2034, the province is expected to need up to 150,000 additional skilled trades workers. This shortage has already led to higher costs and project delays, especially for small and mid-sized open shop contractors.
At Merit for Apprenticeship, we work directly with employers to reduce the barriers that often make apprenticeship programs feel overwhelming. Our goal is simple: to make it easier for contractors to train, mentor, and retain skilled workers while keeping projects on track.
“Even though there are more than 100,000 apprentices in the system, many are not completing their apprenticeship within the two- to five-year time frame,” says Glenda Rahn, our Director of Workforce Development.
Running a business is demanding enough without managing apprenticeship paperwork, registrations, and reporting. That’s where we come in. Our government-funded program is designed to handle the administrative side of apprenticeship training so you can focus on your crew and your projects.
We register, track, and mentor apprentices through to completion, supporting nine key trades including electricians, plumbers, welders, and truck and coach technicians.
“With Ontario’s construction industry expected to need up to 150,000 additional workers by 2034, the contractors who invest in training and supporting their people today will be the ones leading the industry tomorrow,” says Rahn.
Our team stays connected with every apprentice to ensure they stay on track. We provide mentorship, tutoring, exam prep, and constant follow-up to help each participant succeed. When apprentices succeed, employers succeed too.
This hands-on approach is why we’re seeing such high retention and completion rates across Ontario’s skilled trades industry. We take care of the details, so contractors can confidently build the future of their workforce.
At Merit for Apprenticeship, we believe every contractor—no matter the size—should have access to a streamlined, supported path to train the next generation of skilled workers.
Contact us today to learn more about our group sponsor and how we can help your company grow through apprenticeship.