New Kenora testing centre aims to reduce travel barriers for apprentices and speed up workforce entry
KENORA, Ont. —
The Ontario government is expanding access to skilled trades certification in Northwestern Ontario with the opening of a new apprenticeship exam testing centre in Kenora, a move aimed at helping apprentices complete their training closer to home and enter the workforce more quickly.
The province announced May 19 that the new centre will operate through a partnership between Seven Generations Education Institute and Skilled Trades Ontario. The initiative is designed to address longstanding challenges faced by apprentices in Northern Ontario, many of whom previously had to travel to Thunder Bay to complete their certification exams.
Provincial officials said the new testing location will reduce both travel time and out-of-pocket costs for apprentices while supporting local workforce development in regions facing growing demand for skilled labour.
“Northern Ontario powers our province and by localizing certification centres across Ontario, we’re tearing down barriers in the North that have kept talented people out of the trades for too long,” said David Piccini, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
“When the path to certification is shorter, more Ontarians get in faster, communities get the skilled workers they need and Northern Ontario gets the workforce it deserves.”
Apprentices previously travelled hours for exams
Before the Kenora centre was established, apprentices in the region often travelled approximately five hours to Thunder Bay to write certification exams, creating additional expenses and delays in entering the workforce.
The province said the new facility will help eliminate some of those barriers while improving access to certification opportunities in rural and northern communities.
The Kenora location is part of Ontario’s broader effort to modernize apprenticeship delivery across the province. Since April 2025, Skilled Trades Ontario has assumed expanded responsibility for delivering apprenticeship exams directly at training institutions for apprentices completing the final stage of their in-school training.
According to the province, more than 5,400 final-level apprenticeship exams have been administered across Ontario over the past year, representing a 386 per cent increase since Skilled Trades Ontario took over exam delivery responsibilities.
“We appreciate the support of Premier Ford and Minister Piccini in expanding access to apprenticeship certification across Ontario,” said Candice White, CEO and Registrar of Skilled Trades Ontario.
“The opening of a local exam centre in Kenora is an important step in reducing barriers for apprentices, particularly in Northern communities where travel has long been a challenge. Skilled Trades Ontario is continuing to expand exam delivery and strengthen our regional presence, helping apprentices complete their certification closer to home and supporting workforce development across the province.”
Skilled labour demand expected to rise
The announcement comes as Ontario continues to face labour shortages in several skilled trades sectors, particularly in Northern Ontario where infrastructure and construction activity is increasing.
The province estimates that more than 21,500 workers will be needed over the next decade to fill skilled trades-related job openings in Northern Ontario alone. Provincewide, nearly 1.3 million people are currently employed in skilled trades-related occupations.
Ontario said expanding access to apprenticeship certification is part of its broader workforce strategy tied to the government’s $236-billion infrastructure plan, which includes major construction, transportation and community development projects across the province.
Local officials in Kenora said the additional training and certification access will support ongoing and future construction projects in the region.
“We are bringing skilled trades examination testing right here to Kenora; to break down barriers and ensure workforce opportunities stay closer to home,” said Greg Rickford.
“This is a significant milestone for Kenora and the surrounding region, where no longer will apprentices have to travel long hours on the Trans-Canada Highway just to receive final certification.”
Local construction growth driving demand
Andrew Poirier, mayor of Kenora, said the city is already seeing increased demand for skilled trades workers as commercial and institutional projects move forward.
“The City of Kenora is very happy about the Province’s announcement allowing apprentices to complete their training and enter the workforce more quickly,” Poirier said.
“We are currently experiencing a large increase in commercial construction, and skilled trades are key to ensuring these projects are completed on time. Looking ahead, projects like the All Nations Hospital and the Kenora Chiefs Advisory Campus of Care highlight the growing importance of skilled trades to our local economy.”
Poirier also pointed to the role of Seven Generations Education Institute in supporting trades education in the region.
“Additionally, we are fortunate to have Seven Generations Education Institute in Kenora, supporting the trades and offering this certification opportunity. This announcement is excellent news for Kenora and the surrounding area.”
Brent Tookenay, CEO of Seven Generations Education Institute, said improving accessibility remains a key priority for the organization.
“SGEI welcomes this opportunity to the region to support learners in the skilled trades,” Tookenay said.
“Accessibility is something that SGEI prides itself in, and the ability to address some of the barriers to the skilled trades is a key priority.”
Province continues investing in apprenticeship programs
Ontario continues to expand funding for apprenticeship and skilled trades programs as part of its workforce development strategy.
Current initiatives include a $5.5-million investment in the Tools Grant program, which provides eligible apprentices with grants of up to $1,000 for tools and equipment, and a $20-million investment in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, which allows high school students to begin apprenticeship training while completing their diplomas.
The province has also committed $75 million to train up to 7,800 additional students for careers in construction and urban planning, while the $146.7-million In-Class Enhancement Fund supports apprenticeship training delivery across Ontario.