Research completed for this project suggests that there is a strong connection between an Essential Skills strategy and greater success in apprenticeship training: the acquisition of Essential Skills can facilitate success in apprenticeship training, success in ongoing career development, and workplace success. The seven case studies discussed in the report illustrate this in a variety of ways. They provide evidence that:

• Apprentices and potential apprentices who complete Essential Skills training have a higher tendency to complete apprenticeship training;
• Journeypersons who complete Essential Skills training have a higher tendency to pass trades qualifier exams;
• Employers who provide Essential Skills or Essential Skills-based training to their employees see employee confidence increased, fewer safety concerns, and a more productive workplace;
• Governments who integrate Essential Skills training into technical trades training anecdotally noted increased completion rates for apprentice and journeyperson candidates in comparison with previous years; as well as improved communication between the government department, its clients, and the industry;
• Governments who integrate Essential Skills training into its intake processes note that “…apprentices experience less frustration as they move through training to full employability” – perhaps making a link to greater success in apprenticeship overall;
• Community groups who provide their members with Essential Skills training say their members tend to be better prepared for and have a higher tendency to complete apprenticeship training;
• Trades-related industry sectors who identify the foundation Essential Skills necessary to succeed in the sector note that Essential Skills training can help bridge the gap between the skill levels required to complete industry training with the skill levels required to perform industry jobs; and
• Public or private training institutions who develop Essential Skills-related products or training programs note that these products or services can be adapted to suit the needs of many of its clients (apprentices, journeypersons, employers, labour groups, and governments).

More and more stakeholders are collaborating with one another and integrating Essential Skills training into apprenticeship training. Ideally, apprentices would complete Essential Skills training before they begin technical training. Realistically though, it is recognized that Essential Skills training is integrated into any phase of an apprenticeship program. Stakeholders play an important role by disseminating information about Essential Skills and partnering with other stakeholders on Essential skills-related projects and programs.

The CAF-FCA is uniquely positioned. It is the only pan-Canadian organization that provides a forum where apprenticeship stakeholders can collectively identify and work on current challenges and opportunities through research, discussion, and collaboration. The following recommendations can provide further support for the CAF-FCA’s continued involvement in this area.

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