CREATING WIN-WIN OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUCCESS IN THE WORKPLACE

Ottawa, ON – March 17, 2009 — Employers say, “It works for us!”

Employers in the skilled trades say making accommodations enables their employees to be more effective at the workplace. Greater awareness, however, about the advantages of making workplace accommodations is needed.

The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum-Forum canadien sur l’apprentissage (CAF-FCA) completed a study on workplace accommodations in the skilled trades. CAF-FCA’s 2008 research included the collection of previously unpublished data from the Statistics Canada National Apprenticeship Survey. Also included in the research were interviews and focus groups with mostly small business employers, apprentices, and journeypersons. Participants worked mainly in the construction, automotive, and manufacturing sectors, and were from Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Alberta, and Quebec.

“There are very few studies focused specifically on the experiences of employers and apprentices with disabilities in the skilled trades,” says Allison Rougeau, Executive Director of CAF-FCA. “We hope this preliminary research will open up opportunities for further research and dialogue.”

According to the findings, many apprentices and employers do not take advantage of making cost-effective workplace accommodations because they are not aware of the tools and resources available. The report showcases employers’ and apprentices’ recommendations on programs and activities that could create greater awareness and could provide additional supports:

Here’s what CAF-FCA heard from employers and apprentices:

• Create special government-funded programs for employers in the skilled trades
• Discuss with employers’ their roles and responsibilities
• Support employers through advice and incentives
• Help apprentices sell themselves to employers
• Create awareness about the supports available
• Develop a mentoring program for persons with disabilities in the skilled trades
• Use tutors and readers that have trades experience
• Dispel myths through trades-specific research
• Continue to build the business case for making accommodations
• Encourage partnerships

CAF-FCA’s report includes:

Key Statistics:

• The trades where the most apprentices reported having a disability were automotive service technician and hairstylist.
• Apprentices with disabilities who were long-term continuers identified that a lack of work experience and/or employer unwilling to train or pay an apprentice as a challenge when trying to find an employer sponsor. More apprentices with disabilities identified this as an issue than women, men, or visible minorities. These findings suggest youth with disabilities need more opportunities to gain work experience.

Information about accommodations in the skilled trades:

• Employers, apprentices, and journeypersons noted the accommodations used at their workplaces:
• more time when reading manuals
• additional explanation when learning new tasks
• tutoring
• modification of job duties
• supports such as learning aids, laptops, and wireless devices
• assistance with examinations such as extra time or exam readers
• Most employers who made accommodations said they were very effective and not costly.

“Accommodations are really about enabling employees to be more effective so they can work to the best of their abilities. If more awareness can be created about the resources available, more employers and apprentices will get the help they need,” says Allison Rougeau. “If productivity can be maximized and morale improved through accommodations, then it’s a win-win for everybody.”

For further information, please contact:

Emily Arrowsmith
Researcher
CAF-FCA
emily_arrowsmith@caf-fca.org.

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

The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum-Forum canadien sur l’apprentissage is the only inclusive national body that brings together all players in apprenticeship training. CAF-FCA works under the guidance of its Board of Directors, who represent every aspect of the apprenticeship community. Our work has brought to light a number of key issues that affect apprenticeship training - such as perceived barriers to training; the business case for apprenticeship; and the importance of promoting apprenticeship training as a valued and respected choice for post-secondary education.