National Stakeholder Survey Findings Released

Ottawa, September 8, 2011 - A national survey of apprenticeship stakeholders provides valuable insights into current perceptions about the state of apprenticeship training in Canada. A recent report from the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF-FCA) outlines how the community's efforts to address apprenticeship barriers are perceived among stakeholders.

Though the majority of respondents suggested that more needs to be done to reduce barriers, stakeholders clearly believe apprenticeship remains a strong method for providing the skills training appropriate to meeting the needs of a highly-skilled workforce. Respondents reported undertaking a number of activities to break down apprenticeship barriers, including efforts to increase awareness among uninformed groups. Overall, stakeholders provided a positive assessment of apprenticeship performance across Canada.

The full report, Insights from Canada's Apprenticeship Community: Impacts and Next Steps can be accessed on CAF-FCA's website at http://www.caf-fca.org/en/reports/insights.asp.

Respondents were also asked to provide feedback about the effectiveness of CAF-FCA's work. Key findings include:

• CAF-FCA's research on apprenticeship issues is high quality, relevant and timely
• a majority of stakeholders agree CAF-FCA's work on Return on Training Investment provides important opportunities for ongoing dialogue with employers
• a majority of stakeholders are familiar with CAF-FCA's report on apprentice labour market outcomes and believe it will be helpful in efforts to break down negative perceptions of apprenticeship and the skilled trades

"These results tell us the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum is carrying out an effective research agenda and has the support of its stakeholders in moving forward," says Sarah Watts-Rynard, Executive Director of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum. "We need to continue to develop the research, tools and resources that support Canada's apprenticeship community."

Survey respondents included employers, labour representatives, government, industry associations, educational institutions, community organizations and journeypersons.

For more information:
Marie Bilodeau, Communications Manager
613-235-4004, ext. 207
marie_bilodeau@caf-fca.org