Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum’s (CAF’s) biennial national conference took place in virtual format on Monday and Tuesday (Feb. 22 and 23), attracting more than 500 online delegates from every province and territory – and federal government announcements of new multi-million dollar projects.
Carla Qualtrough, federal Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, kicked off the conference by announcing a new CAF project funded through the government’s Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP).
In partnership with the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), Improving Pass Rates and Learning Outcomes for IUOE Apprentices, will pilot use of an online tool with 2,000 apprentices in the heavy equipment operator and mobile crane operator trades.
As part of the UTIP, the Government of Canada also announced an investment of $63.5 million, over five years, for 68 projects to help develop a highly qualified skilled trades workforce and prepare them to fill available jobs as our economy restarts.
“As we continue to fight this virus, our support for workers remains strong. Skilled tradespeople across the country have been critical to essential sectors during this pandemic, and they will continue to be so as Canada moves toward economic recovery,” Qualtrough said in a statement. “That is why the Government of Canada continues to invest in skilled trades and support organizations, such as the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, to help Canadians, including those from key groups facing barriers, get the training they need to launch exciting and well-paying careers in the trades.”
CAF knows that post-COVID-19 economic recovery will require that certified journeypersons are a core part of the skilled trades workforce. However, some apprentices make it through their training programs but struggle to pass the multiple-choice examination.
This pilot project will help address barriers apprentices face around passing the final multiple-choice examination by providing access to an online tool. Best practices for accommodating apprentices with disabilities will inform development of the resource and should serve to improve exam pass rates. CAF-FCA will share lessons learned and areas for improvement based on pilot results.
By gathering and applying best practices, other unions and employers may be encouraged to adopt the tool and exam preparation approach.
“The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) has worked in collaboration with the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum for 20 years, said Lionel Railton, IUOE Canadian regional director.
“This practical project, working with IUOE training directors and their staff from multiple provinces and territories is an opportunity to help apprentices directly, an approach that our union has always been guided by.”
By encouraging unions and employers to train and support them, apprentices with disabilities may complete their training, find a pathway to a long-term career, and achieve financial self-reliance.
The conference program “featured expert panels, breakout sessions delivered by apprenticeship and skilled trades community partners from across the country, networking activities and an interactive virtual exhibit hall,” CAF said in a statement.