The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum – Forum canadien sur l’apprentissage invites you to participate in a study on
“Retraining in the Economic Downturn: Apprenticeship and Workers in Transition”

Greetings from the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum,

The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum is requesting your participation in a national study aimed at better understanding challenges faced by workers considering a second career in the skilled trades. Any assistance you could provide would be greatly appreciated. In the study we are trying to understand what barriers and challenges transitioning workers are facing . We also want to understand employers’ perspectives, especially those who are interested in hiring transitioning workers. What are they looking for and what could be done to ease this process? Ultimately, we hope more workers in transition will have opportunities to pursue apprenticeship training and to enjoy satisfying careers in the skilled trades. We also hope that employers will be better equipped to have the skilled workforce they need to remain competitive and productive.

To become involved, please sign up for one of our focus groups. Focus groups will occur in London and Brampton, Ontario and Kamloops and Prince George, British Columbia. Please note that individual comments will not be linked to names in the final report.

WHY THIS STUDY IS IMPORTANT: More knowledge and awareness is needed on the challenges and opportunities for workers in transition in the skilled trades.

WHY PARTICIPATE: This project will encourage information sharing among jurisdictions about practices, policies, and useful tools when it comes to apprenticeship and workers in transition. This information may help stakeholders make better informed decisions that will allow for more efficient and effective transitions.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE: For more information contact Richard Lennon or Erin Kimelman of kisquared at 1-888-950-8002 or ki2@kisquared.com. This information is also available at the website for the study: allabouttrades.com.

TERMS OF REFERENCE:

The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF): A not-for-profit organization working to influence apprenticeship strategies through research, discussion and collaboration with the apprenticeship community. Stakeholders include, but are not limited to equity groups, educators, employers, labour, and government bodies. For more information see www.caf-fca.org.

Apprenticeship: an agreement, registered with the provincial/territorial government, between a person (an apprentice) who wants to learn a skill and an employer who needs a skilled worker. Apprenticeship combines on-the-job experience with technical training. Upon completion of the specified training period and the passing of an examination, apprentices receive a Certificate of Qualification from the provincial/territorial government.

Skilled Trades: Designated skill trades are governed by provincial/territorial regulations. These regulations outline the standards and conditions for training for specific trades. Examples include carpenter, sheet metal worker, and hairstylist. Not all trades require certification in order to work legally, but some do. For information on whether trades require compulsory certification or voluntary certification go to: http://www.red-seal.ca.

We look forward to discussing the study further with you and hope you can participate.

Sincerely

Allison Rougeau
Executive Director
Canadian Apprenticeship Forum-Forum canadien sur l’apprentissage
116 Albert Street, Suite 812
Ottawa ON K1P 5G3
613-235-4004 Ext 202
www.caf-fca.org