Starting an apprenticeship: what does a sponsor do?
Originally published
Exploring a future in 310B? Understanding the sponsor’s role is a useful step before making training plans.
Who is the sponsor?
In Ontario, a sponsor is responsible for ensuring an apprentice receives the training required by their apprenticeship program. The sponsor is often an employer, but group sponsors also exist. Skilled Trades Ontario explains that an apprenticeship begins with a signed Training Agreement registered with them.
Three questions to ask
Who will guide my workplace learning? How will we review and record the skills I demonstrate? How will time for required in-school training be arranged? These questions help turn an initial conversation into a clearer picture of the learning commitment.
A practical next step
Read Skilled Trades Ontario’s starting guide and sponsor guidance below. If you are in high school, your guidance counsellor can help you explore apprenticeship options. Asking the proposed college for information does not register you as an apprentice or reserve a place.
Official sources
Skilled Trades Ontario: starting an apprenticeship
Skilled Trades Ontario: sponsoring an apprentice
Proposed 310B program. Approval pending. Enrolment is not open.
Published September 23, 2026. General educational information; consult Skilled Trades Ontario for your circumstances.