Apprenticeship: IT WORKS! Recent Survey Reveals Apprenticeship Community Is Still Committed To Working Together To Promote This Valuable Form Of Training

OTTAWA – September 30, 2009 – Apprenticeship training is a well established and valuable form of post-secondary education that has existed for generations. It is comprised of on-the-job training and technical training designed to enhance business performance in terms of productivity, improved health and safety at the workplace, and the bottom line. Success in apprenticeship can lead to provincial/territorial certification and Red Seal endorsement. This level of standard and achievement produces highly skilled competent qualified workers. Basically, apprenticeship works!Despite the many advantages of the apprenticeship training model, barriers still exist. In an increasingly competitive global environment, with rapid changes to technology and an aging workforce, it is imperative that the apprenticeship community works together to improve access to apprenticeship training. The community is prepared and ready to take on this challenge! According to a recent survey with apprenticeship stakeholders completed by the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum – Forum canadien sur l’apprentissage (CAF-FCA), some of the persistent myths and stereotypes the apprenticeship community is particularly concerned about include negative attitudes towards apprenticeship and a poor image of the trades. Concerns about the impact of current economic conditions on apprenticeship, the need for more resources to support apprenticeship training, and the lack of information and awareness about apprenticeship as a viable post-secondary option are still top of mind in the community as well.

Even though many challenges exist, the survey revealed that the apprenticeship community is working hard across the country to tackle these barriers by raising awareness to dispel myths, promoting the trades at career fairs, and implementing pre-apprenticeship or essential skills programs to help individuals to become apprentices.

Moving forward apprenticeship stakeholders who filled in the survey supported continued dialogue and working collaboratively. It was also suggested that both apprentices and employers be better educated on the benefits of apprentices completing the apprenticeship program. To that end, stakeholders support the idea of continuing to increase employers’ awareness of the multiple advantages of apprenticeship training.

The current economic crisis is an opportunity to create positive change and reduce traditional barriers. The apprenticeship community is ready and wiling to share the positive message—Apprenticeship: IT WORKS! Canadians, hopefully, are ready and willing to listen. Our future labour force and economy will surely benefit if we do.

To view the entire report which summarizes the survey findings from over 300 stakeholders see
http://www.caf-fca.org/en/reports/apprenticeship_now.asp

CAF-FCA is the only inclusive national body that brings together all the players in Canada’s apprenticeship community. A not-for-profit organization, CAF-FCA works under the guidance of its Board of Directors who represent stakeholders in apprenticeship including business, labour, education, provincial/territorial apprenticeship boards, and equity-seeking groups.

This project was funded by the Government of Canada’s Sector Council Program.

For more information:

Danielle Matheusik
Project Manager
613-235-4004 ext. 203
Danielle_Matheusik[at]caf-fca.org

Apprenticeship 101