How to Become a Child and Youth Worker in Ontario
Do you need certification?
Certification is voluntary
Child and youth worker is a voluntary trade in Ontario. You can work in the trade without a certificate.
- Protected titles
- Not listed in the sources checked
Show the source
“Because this trade is non-compulsory, the information of individuals practicing this trade will not appear on the Skilled Trades Ontario Public Register.”
From skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/child-and-youth-worker, checked October 11, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Voluntary certification See the source
- Routes
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- Trained in Canada: 3 steps
- Licensed in another province: 3 steps
- Trained outside Canada: no separate route
- Annual fees
- Not stated by the regulator Check with Skilled Trades Ontario
Your roadmap
Tick each step as you finish it. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.
Trained in Canada
0 of 3 done
- 3 steps without a listed fee
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The apprentice completes practical training on the job, with the sponsor or trainer signing the training standard as the required skills are demonstrated.
Source
“As these essential skills are developed, the apprentice’s sponsor or trainer signs the relevant sections of the training standard to indicate that the apprentice has met the individual training objectives by demonstrating the skills required of a skilled worker, or journeyperson, in the trade.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/child-and-youth-worker -
The apprentice completes one level of theoretical training covering topics such as developmental issues, counselling skills and crisis intervention.
Source
“A Child and Youth Worker apprenticeship includes one level of theoretical training, which includes but is not limited to instruction in:”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/child-and-youth-worker -
After completing the apprenticeship program, Skilled Trades Ontario issues the apprentice a Certificate of Apprenticeship.
Source
“Upon completion of an apprenticeship program, Skilled Trades Ontario issues a Certificate of Apprenticeship.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/child-and-youth-worker
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Skilled Trades Ontario
3 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Licensed in another province
0 of 3 done
- 3 steps without a listed fee
-
The apprentice must find a sponsor in Ontario.
-
The apprentice applies for an apprenticeship program in Ontario and indicates on the application form that they have completed training in another province.
Source
“Apply for an apprenticeship program in Ontario. - On your application you will need to check off the section of the form that you have completed training in another province.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/current-apprentices -
Skilled Trades Ontario contacts the applicant to verify their out-of-province training after the application is submitted.
Source
“Skilled Trades Ontario will contact you to verify your out-of-province training after you have submitted your application.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/current-apprentices
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Skilled Trades Ontario
3 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Trained outside Canada
No separate route for this group. Source
“Because there is no certifying exam in this trade, Skilled Trades Ontario does not issue a Certificate of Qualification.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/child-and-youth-worker
Requirements
Not stated by the regulator Check with Skilled Trades Ontario
Already licensed in another province?
Extra steps
A registered apprentice from another province or territory may get credit for their training in Ontario by finding a sponsor, applying for an Ontario apprenticeship program, and having Skilled Trades Ontario verify their out-of-province training. Source
“If you’re a registered apprentice in another province or territory, you may get credit for your training in Ontario.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/current-apprentices
Find a sponsor in Ontario
Apply for apprenticeship program
Source
“Apply for an apprenticeship program in Ontario. - On your application you will need to check off the section of the form that you have completed training in another province.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/current-apprenticesVerification of out-of-province training
Source
“Skilled Trades Ontario will contact you to verify your out-of-province training after you have submitted your application.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/current-apprentices
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Skilled Trades Ontario
Credential assessment
Not stated by the regulator Check with Skilled Trades Ontario
Exams
Not stated by the regulator Check with Skilled Trades Ontario
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with Skilled Trades Ontario
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with Skilled Trades Ontario
Supervised practice
Not stated by the regulator Check with Skilled Trades Ontario
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $19.79 | $26.50 | $37.23 | Moderate (3 of 5) |
| Canada | $19.00 | $26.00 | $36.06 | — |
Children and youth workers in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Not confirmed yet
- Alberta Not confirmed yet
- Saskatchewan Not confirmed yet
- Manitoba Not confirmed yet
- Quebec Not confirmed yet
- New Brunswick Not confirmed yet
- Nova Scotia Not confirmed yet
- Prince Edward Island Not confirmed yet
- Newfoundland and Labrador Not confirmed yet
- Yukon Not confirmed yet
- Northwest Territories Not confirmed yet
- Nunavut Not confirmed yet
Sources checked
- Child and Youth Worker - Skilled Trades Ontario skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/child-and-youth-worker · fetched October 10, 2026
- Current apprentices - Skilled Trades Ontario skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/current-apprentices · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
1
Do you need a licence to work as a child and youth worker in Ontario?
No. Certification is available, but it is not required to work in the trade in Ontario. Certification is managed by Skilled Trades Ontario.
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