Apprenticeship: Tools & Resources Ottawa – Carleton District School Board February 15, 2013

Canadian Apprenticeship Forum The organization: was established in June 2000 is a not-for-profit organization that brings together the key players in apprenticeship across trades, across sectors, across Canada has three primary objectives: research apprenticeship issues and challenges of broad interest facilitate dialogue and share best practices among stakeholders promote skilled trades careers among youth, parents & educators

Mandate To influence pan-Canadian apprenticeship strategies Be a national voice for apprenticeship by bringing together key stakeholders – business, labour, education, jurisdictions, equity groups To promote apprenticeship as an effective model for training and education, contributing to the development of a highly-skilled labour force

Sharing accurate information about apprenticeship Career Awareness – engaging youth Promoting the business case – engaging employers Communicating promising practices Promoting Apprenticeship Essential Skills tools Connecting stakeholders from across the country Supports for the Apprenticeship Community

What is Apprenticeship? Apprenticeship is a form of work-based training 80 – 85% of the training is done on-the-job with an employer 15 – 20% is completed in a technical training program (college or union training centre) Apprenticeship programs are typically four years long and lead to trade certification 150+ designated trades in Ontario

Skills Shortages Most sectors requiring skilled tradespeople report current and anticipated shortages: – Construction – Mining – Forestry – Oil & Gas – Service/Hospitality – Power Generation

Skills required to succeed in the trades: – High school diploma essential; many employers looking for advanced standing – Essential Skills – digital skills, problem-solving, teamwork – Math & Physics – advanced levels required in many cases – English – ability to communicate, understand safety instructions/codes – Hands-on capacity – 3D-thinking, experimentation Skills Shortages

Challenges for Youth Don’t receive positive messages about the value of skilled trades careers Don’t understand the educational/skills requirements Need the confidence and opportunities to connect with potential employers Need to understand labour market demand

Challenges for Employers Youth sometimes perceived as a “risky” hire – Limited exposure to the trades – Health & safety concerns are paramount What makes someone a “good” employee prospect? – Good attitude, sense of responsibility and showing up on time are essential

Tools and resources are available at no charge through Office of Literacy and Essential Skills – Description of skills requirements - INFORM – Assessment to gauge strengths/weaknesses - ASSESS – How to improve Essential Skills - SUPPORT Apprenticeship & Essential Skills

Apprenticeship & Essential Skills PD workshop piloted in Ontario shares information and resources with educators: – Apprenticeship and the skilled trades – Essential Skills profiles and assessments To expand use and maintain cost-effectiveness, we have looked at developing packages – Presentation, speaking notes, resources & hand-outs

Promoting Skilled Trades Careers Careers in Trades website re-launched in November: – More interactive elements, including Twitter feed and Facebook links – More trades profiles, including tasks & skills required – Updates to our Educator’s Guide and Apprenticeship Guide for Youth also underway

Canadian Apprenticeship Journal Upcoming issues: – Spring 2013 – Engaging Youth: Attracting Young People to Careers in the Trades – Fall 2013 – Focus on Aboriginal Apprenticeship Initiatives

Dialogue & Discussion CAF-FCA provides a number of opportunities for educators to connect with skilled trades stakeholders – National Forum Dialogue – importance of the journeyperson mentor in Vancouver on June 6 – Webinars – opportunities to hear about best practices across Canada – National apprenticeship conference – June 2014 in Ottawa

Membership The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum is funded by a federal program that will wrap up in March 2013 To continue providing cross-trade, cross-sector and national perspectives, a new business model was required Membership launched at the conference in June Members will help establish priorities and directions

Member Levels: – Apprenticeship Champion $5,000 – Apprenticeship Patron $3,000 – Apprenticeship Supporter $1,000 – Apprenticeship Contributor $100 (Individuals, apprentices) Details on benefits available at Membership

CAF-FCA Online For more information, check out our family of websites Corporate Site: Career Promotion: Employers: On Twitter: CAF_FCA

Apprenticeship: Tools & Resources Ottawa – Carleton District School Board February 15, 2013