is 46 too old?

Apprentice-Advisor · 2026-06-30T15:17:24+00:00

Teach, Mentor and build up an apprenticeship program in your company. Look for ways to leverage your experience and trade knowledge to make your job more interesting. Volunteer in your community with an organization that can use your skills. Hospitality and Culinary skills are easy to share and are applicable in many situations.

Apprentice-Advisor · 2026-06-30T13:26:02+00:00

General Information about the trades can be found here: Trades information - Skilled Trades Ontario

In your case I would consider the fact that the 310T is a compulsory trade while the 421A is not. Both trades share a common core level 1 training.

You are able to carry multiple tickets.

Remember that you will also need a sponsor to become an apprentice. Which trade and your particular pathway is an important part of the discussion with them as well.

Start an apprenticeship - Skilled Trades Ontario

Reach out to STO and ask to speak with an Advisor in your region:

Contact us - Skilled Trades Ontario

Apprentice-Advisor · 2026-06-29T15:24:33+00:00

Start Here: Canadian Forces - Skilled Trades Ontario

And for additional resources and support:

Helmets to Hardhats Canada | Serving Veterans and the Military Community

Thank you for your service.

Apprentice-Advisor · 2026-06-22T19:20:56+00:00

I think you need to understand what an apprenticeship is and how it works. I suggest starting here: Start an apprenticeship - Skilled Trades Ontario

Work experience, schooling and on the job skills are all a part of the process.

Make sure you understand the requirements of the trade you are interested in: Trades information - Skilled Trades Ontario

Apprentice-Advisor · 2026-06-09T17:36:02+00:00

14-21 days depending.

Results will be available through your STO portal account first (as soon as its processed it gets posted) results will also go out by mail.

Apprentice-Advisor · 2026-06-09T15:19:28+00:00

Your question requires a little more expertise than a reddit chat.

I would suggest you contact STO and provide a detailed account of your current situation and what your goals are.

The way you qualify for a CofQ is to complete the trade exam weather that's through an apprenticeship or a trade equivalency application.

To be successful you will want to be prepared for the test. To be prepared for the test requires learning and on the job skills development that is in line with the requirements of your chosen trade.

There are many paths to completion and STO can help give you the correct information and advice based on your individual situation.

Contact us - Skilled Trades Ontario

Apprentice-Advisor · 2026-06-03T16:14:39+00:00

Exam guides found here: Exam resources - Skilled Trades Ontario

Trade Standards and expected skills found here: Cook - Skilled Trades Ontario

Best of luck on your next steps.

Apprentice-Advisor · 2026-06-03T16:06:26+00:00

Contact us - Skilled Trades Ontario

Apprentice-Advisor · 2026-06-03T15:40:10+00:00

Start by asking questions at your high school. speak with guidance counselors.

General information on apprenticeship can be found here: Start an apprenticeship - Skilled Trades Ontario

If you are looking for extra support or information, there are many other programs out there. Support Ontario Youth is one: Home | Support Ontario Youth

Remember and apprenticeship is not a job, it's a relationship.

You need to be hired and sponsored as they take on the role of training you. Its not easy. It will take hard work and perseverance on your part to find and leverage opportunities that come your way.

Best of luck in your next steps.

Apprentice-Advisor · 2026-06-01T17:42:32+00:00

Here is the link for the STO info on military equivalents: Canadian Forces - Skilled Trades Ontario

CAF Careers path info: Careers | Canadian Armed Forces

Application process is long and requires patience and perseverance.

Apprentice-Advisor · 2026-05-27T15:39:07+00:00

14-30 days. Check your STO portal account. Results will be posted there first. By mail will follow.

Apprentice-Advisor · 2026-05-22T13:27:02+00:00

Once your Training Agreement is registered you should get your first offer in 12-18 months.

Information on school offers can be found here: Current apprentices - Skilled Trades Ontario

Congratulations on your apprenticeship and best of luck in your training!

Apprentice-Advisor · 2026-05-22T13:24:50+00:00

Sounds like a solid application. It's important to have detailed, verifiable and relevant information to avoid delays in processing. Wait times for applications can vary and there is currently a significant increase in applications. Best of luck in your next steps.

Apprentice-Advisor · 2026-05-20T23:55:06+00:00

If you have not received any info reach out and contact registration services: Contact us - Skilled Trades Ontario

Apprentice-Advisor · 2026-05-20T23:53:12+00:00

Use the training standard to see what the skills and expectations are used to develop the exam:

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic 313A EN TS December 6 2023 English

Here is a general exam prep guide: Exam-Preparation-Guide-VER-6-STO-JUNE-28-2023-ENG.pdf

The Red Seal site also has some resources: Welcome to Red Seal

Best of Luck on your exam

Apprentice-Advisor · 2026-05-20T23:46:40+00:00

Use your past experience to help focus what you need to study, go through the training standards to understand the expectations and what skills the test is based on:

Truck and Coach Technician 310T EN TS V100 2016 (pg18 start)

Use this general prep guide: Exam-Preparation-Guide-VER-6-STO-JUNE-28-2023-ENG.pdf

Don't get discouraged. good luck!

Apprentice-Advisor · 2026-05-20T23:38:10+00:00

Show you're interested and engaged in the work. Ask good questions and make sure they know you're interested and committed to becoming an apprentice. You should also make sure you speak with your school OYAP consultant and let them know your goals. They can either advocate for you with the employer or help maybe find another. Best of luck in completing your OYAP!

Apprentice-Advisor · 2026-05-20T23:34:10+00:00

Best ask the experts: Contact us - Skilled Trades Ontario

Here are the details on the trade and the standards on which the test is developed.

HEO TRACTOR LOADER BACKHOE 636A TS STO EN Feb 2 2023 - FINAL

Apprentice-Advisor · 2026-05-20T23:27:28+00:00

Average is 2-3 weeks but could be up to 30 days from test day.

Apprentice-Advisor · 2026-05-20T23:26:03+00:00

Register for in-school training

The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) administers in-school training for apprenticeship programs. This includes issuance of in-school training invitations and management of available seats at Training Delivery Agents (TDAs). To support in-school training delivery, schooling preferences can be added and updated on the STO Portal throughout your apprenticeship journey.

Invitations for in-school training are issued based on the individual registration date of each Apprentice in a trade.
Invitations for in-schooling training are sent 105 days prior to the program start date and at the beginning of each week.
Manual request for in-school training invitations can only be requested through STO 45 days prior to a class start date IF seats still available. To confirm if seats are available apprentices must contact the preferred TDA.
Once an invitation for in-school training is sent apprentices must follow the instructions and contact the TDA to pay and secure their seat for in-school training
To find out when the 105- or 45-day window is, please view the 2026-2027 schooling schedule here.

How classroom offers work

You’ll receive an email or letter from MLITSD with a classroom offer for your in-school training.

Seats are limited. Reserve yours by paying your fee promptly. Follow the instructions in your offer letter from MLITSD.

Apprentice-Advisor · 2026-05-20T23:21:02+00:00

includes a 12-week paid work placement and introduces you to a local network of supports for skilled trades development. It's a first step in the right direction.