Institute of Skilled Trades Industry Bulletin
This Bulletin provides a high-level update on current initiatives, upcoming activities and key information relevant to our industry partners, discussed in monthly Institute of Skilled Trades (IST) Council meetings. The Council will continue advancing priorities and sharing further updates as work progresses.
Updates - November 2026
View key IST Council meeting updates from the meeting on November 5, 2026.
A new approach to selecting future skilled trades students
Council members reviewed and approved a competitive admissions assessment model for high-demand trades programs which will be implemented going forward.
Status: Complete
Attendance and backfilling seats
Council members approved filling vacant seats for IST programs but only during the first week of programming. This way, students who are backfilling spots don’t miss out on crucial information. There will also be a plan to help those late admissions catch up on what they miss in the first week.
Status: Complete
Building more pathways into skilled trades
The Council approved transition measures for existing waitlisted applicants, clarified opportunities for Grade 11 students to express interest, and reinforced the importance of accessibility and applicant supports. They also approved the phasing out of waitlists going forward.
Status: In progress
Industry helping shape the future of skilled trades training
The second phase of trade sprints have started, and seven of eight trades have been reviewed. Industry continues to help identify equipment, training, and infrastructure needs.
Status: In progress
Next meeting
The next IST Council meeting will be held on December 7, 2026.
View past IST Council meeting updates
- November 2026 IST Council meeting minutes (PDF 206KB)
- October 2026 IST Council meeting minutes (PDF 135KB)
- September 2026 IST Council meeting updates (PDF 126KB)
- July 2026 IST Council meeting updates (PDF 139KB)
- June 2026 IST Council meeting updates (PDF 67KB)
- May 2026 IST Council meeting updates (PDF 49KB)
- April 2026 IST Council meeting updates (PDF 56KB)
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Last updated on: Nov. 09, 2026 08:30 AM