If you are a skilled trades worker in Northern Ontario, getting certified just became a whole lot easier. The Ontario government has taken a practical and important step forward by opening a new apprenticeship exam testing centre in Kenora. This move is good news for local tradespeople, for newcomers looking to build careers in Canada, and for communities that have been waiting years for skilled workers to fill growing gaps.

Before this centre opened, apprentices in Northwestern Ontario had no local option for writing their final certification exams. They had to travel approximately five hours to Thunder Bay, the nearest available testing location. That round trip meant high travel costs, time away from work, and delays that could set back a person’s entire certification timeline.

For newcomers to Canada who are already managing financial pressures and adapting to a new environment, those barriers were especially difficult. Now, with a testing centre right in Kenora, local tradespeople and newcomers alike can complete their training faster and step into well-paying careers without those added obstacles.

What the New Centre Means for Northern Ontario

The Kenora examination centre operates through a partnership between the Ontario government, Skilled Trades Ontario, and the Seven Generations Education Institute. It is part of a broader provincial plan to strengthen the skilled trades workforce across the region.

The numbers make the need very clear. Over the next ten years, Northern Ontario is expected to need more than 21,500 new workers in skilled trades-related occupations. The region powers critical industries including energy, construction, and natural resources. Without enough certified workers, those sectors face serious challenges.

By making certification more accessible, Ontario is directly responding to that demand. When the path from apprenticeship to certification is shorter, more people complete their training. More people completing their training means more workers entering the workforce. And more workers entering the workforce means communities get the support they need.

A Strong Record of Progress

This is not a one-time move. Since taking over exam delivery responsibilities in April 2025, Skilled Trades Ontario has administered more than 5,400 final-level exams across the province. That represents a 386 percent increase compared to the period before Skilled Trades Ontario assumed that responsibility. The Kenora centre builds on that progress and takes it to a region that had been underserved for far too long.

The Ontario government has also backed this expansion with meaningful financial support. The Tools Grant program provides up to $1,000 per eligible apprentice to help cover the cost of tools and equipment needed to start and grow in a trade. The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, backed by $20 million in provincial investment, allows high school students to begin exploring skilled trades careers while still completing their diplomas.

Source: Skilled Trades Certification in Northern Ontario

Why This Matters for Newcomers to Canada

For immigrants and newcomers settling in Northern Ontario, certified skilled trades offer one of the most reliable paths to stable employment. Trades like electrician, plumber, welding technician, and HVAC specialist are in high demand. Certification opens doors to competitive wages, stable hours, and long-term career growth.

ImmigCanada has always highlighted how skilled trades serve as a strong pathway into Canada’s labour market. With the Kenora centre removing a key geographic barrier, more newcomers in the region now have a real opportunity to turn their training into recognized Canadian credentials without the burden of excessive travel.

Building the Workforce Canada Needs

Ontario’s investment in skilled trades is part of a much larger $236 billion plan to build essential infrastructure across the province. Roads, bridges, transit systems, and community facilities all require certified trade workers. The government’s In-Class Enhancement Fund, backed by over $146 million, supports training delivery organizations to ensure apprentices receive quality instruction throughout their programs.

Every new exam centre, every grant program, and every apprenticeship investment is a signal that Canada is serious about building a skilled, certified workforce ready for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions