1. Who is the CAF-FCA and what does it do?
2. Why did the CAF-FCA conduct this study?
Questions about the Return on Apprenticeship Training Investment study
3. How many phases are there in this multi-phased project, and what is the focus of each phase?
4. Which trades were selected for this study?
5. Over 400 employers participated in this study. How were employers selected to participate in the study?
6. What are the findings of the study?
7. Were the results validated?
8. What is the final work to be accomplished in this phase of the project?
9. When will the CAF-FCA release information about the other phases of this project?

Questions about the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum — Forum canadien sur l’apprentissage
CAF-FCA)

1. Q: Who is the CAF-FCA and what does it do?

A: The CAF-FCA is the only pan-Canadian organization that brings together key representatives of the Canadian apprenticeship community such as:

	Business			The Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA)
	Labour			The Interprovincial Alliance of Apprenticeship Board Chairs (IPA), and
	Educators			Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC)
	Equity-seeking groups

Supported by a secretariat, the CAF-FCA conducts research, collaborates with other stakeholders, and fosters discussion on topics of concern for the Canadian apprenticeship community.

2. Q: Why did the CAF-FCA conduct this study?
A: In 2004, the CAF-FCA released a study on Accessing and Completing Apprenticeship Training in Canada – Perceptions of Barriers report. It identified cost as one of the perceived barriers to accessing and completing apprenticeship training in Canada. Thereafter, the CAF-FCA Board of Directors decided to delve deeply into this topic to provide a more thorough understanding of the return on apprenticeship training investment as it relates to employers, unions, apprentices, training deliverers, governments and society.

Ultimately, the CAF-FCA expects that the information collected through this multi-phase project, together with other regional initiatives, will encourage more employers and young people to participate in apprenticeship training.

Questions about the Return on Apprenticeship Training Investment study

3. Q: How many phases are there in this multi-phased project, and what is the focus of each phase?
A: This study is part of a multi-phased project. The phases are as follows:


• Phase 1: Develop Methodology and Data Collection Tools (completed)
• Phase 2: Determine Cost/Benefits of Apprenticeship Training for Employers (near completion)
• Phase 3: Determine Cost/Benefits of Apprenticeship Training for Apprentices and Training Institutes (some work has begun)
• Phase 4: Determine Cost/Benefits of Apprenticeship Training for Society (planned)
4. Q: Which trades were selected for this study?
A: The CAF-FCA selected trades that are common to all provinces/territories and represent:


• “Red Seal” Trades (which permit skilled trades people to perform their trade in every province/territory of the County);
• A variety of business sizes (small, medium, and large)
• A variety of sectors (i.e. industrial, construction and service trades), and
• All areas of the country.

The 15 trades selected are:

	Automotive Service Technician			Machinist
	Bricklayer			Mobile Crane Operator
	Carpenter			Motor Vehicle Body Repairer
	Construction Electrician			Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
	Cook			Sheet Metal Worker
	Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic			Sprinkler System Installer
	Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)			Tool and Die Maker
	Insulator


5. Q: Over 400 employers participated in this study. How were employers selected to participate in the study?
A: More than 11,500 employers were contacted for the study. 1,941 of these employers qualified for the study - roughly 17% of the overall total contacted. An employer was deemed to be ‘qualified’ to participate in the study if he or she currently employed an apprentice.

430 employers from across Canada were surveyed between September 2005 and February 2006. They provided information about wages, charge-out rates, training costs and qualitative measures of the benefits of apprenticeship training.

6. Q: What are the findings of the study?
A: One of the most significant findings of the study is that over the life of an apprenticeship, an employer receives a positive net benefit of $1.38 for every $1 invested in an apprenticeship. Detailed findings of the study will be released at the 2006 CAF-FCA “Apprenticeship – A Winning Formula” conference in Montreal, Quebec from June 4 — 6, 2006. A final report on the study will be published later in the year.
7. Q: Were the results validated?
A: Validation roundtables were held with employers and economists in 5 locations across the country to validate the cost benefit results, and to determine if any significant costs and benefits had been missed. As a result:


• Employers confirmed cost-benefit results are accurate although there are regional differences.
• Employers agree that apprentices generate a positive net return to their organization.
• Economist roundtable supported the methodology, and noted the breadth of study exceeds that of previous research.
8. Q: What is the final work to be accomplished in this phase of the project?
A: The CAF-FCA aims to develop and distribute a calculation tool to assist employers in calculating their own return on apprenticeship training investment. In addition, a Marketing and Communications strategy will be developed in order to widely share the key components of the study. It is hoped that this will encourage more employers to hire apprentices.
9. Q: When will the CAF-FCA release information about the other phases of this project?
A: As information becomes available it will be announced via the CAF-FCA’s free electronic newsletter “E-news”. To subscribe, please visit the CAF-FCA Web site at:
http://www.caf-fca.org