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National Forum Dialogue

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!
Success in the Skilled Trades: A Quebec Perspective
Apprenticeship systems can differ dramatically across 13 jurisdictions. Join us in Quebec City on June 2nd to share success stories and learn about the skilled trades in la belle province. Co-located with the Skills Canada National Competition, this is a great opportunity to share perspectives and ideas with apprenticeship stakeholders from across the country.

Space is limited - register today!

Continuing the Dialogue - Essential Skills
The last CAF-FCA dialogue initiated discussion on essential skills in the skilled trades. Guests representing various stakeholders from across Canada, including school boards, provincial and federal government departments, unions, industry associations and other organizations, joined the CAF-FCA Board of Directors to discuss some of the best and most promising practices for integrating essential skills training into employee development, particularly for apprentices and within the skilled trades.

Following requests, the dialogue's PowerPoint presentations, video and backgrounders were made available online.

Spotlight on Apprentices
Auto Body Technician

Cheyenne Ruether grew up with a father and brothers who loved working on cars. Finding her own passion for cars, she decided to pursue an auto body technician apprenticeship in Edmonton, through the Registered Apprentice Program (RAP).

In the industry they say that women are good at refinishing because they have a better eye for colour and design," said Cheyenne. "I have always loved turning something smashed up into something renewed and beautiful."

By winning several scholarships and working in a body repair shop to meet the requirements of her apprenticeship, Cheyenne was able to complete her education debt-free.

Finding an Employer
Cheyenne's first employer was found through the RAP program. She eventually applied to work at a family-run shop, with a mostly young crew and an open and friendly atmosphere.

What Worked and What Didn't
I'm always on the go and love cars," Cheyenne says. "It's that energy that has helped me succeed as an apprentice." She also suggests that apprentices take part in skill competitions. "I have competed in the Skills Canada competition for the last 2 years. It is great publicity for you. It looks great on your resume."

Read Cheyenne's full profile.

CAF-FCA 2012 Conference Launched!

On May 17, more than 70 apprenticeship stakeholders gathered in Regina to launch the CAF-FCA 2012 Conference.

"Apprenticeship is vital to Canada's prosperity and competitiveness," Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) Rob Norris said. "This is an opportune time to host a national apprenticeship conference in Saskatchewan considering the unprecedented growth in registered apprentices occurring in our province."

Local organizations shared information on their services and tools. Journeypersons and apprentices provided service trade demonstrations and shared their career experiences with participants. The looming shortage of workers in the skilled trades was an important topic of discussion among participants.

"We've all seen the numbers for anticipated workforce shortages. The construction sector alone is forecasting a national shortfall of one million workers by 2020," said Mary Lawson, a custom builder located north of the Greater Toronto Area and CAF-FCA Conference Co-chair. "By the time we all meet back for the conference next year, that reality will be even closer."

Thanks to everyone who came out and to the organizations who welcomed us, including the SATCC, the Saskatchewan Tourism Industry Council, SaskGaming, Skills Canada Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Construction Association.

Remember to save the date! The CAF-FCA 2012 Conference will return to Regina on June 3-5 2012.

Conference Website
Not only was the conference launched on May 17, but so was its official website! The site will be a hub of information, with regular updates on all aspects of the conference, including programming, exhibitors and partners. Visit today and sign up for regular conference e-mail updates.

Call for Presentations
CAF-FCA is pleased to extend a call for presentations. For 2012, we invite presenters to propose ideas that complement the conference theme:

Read the full call for presentations and submit an application no later than September 2. We look forward to hearing your ideas!