A PROVINCIAL PARTNERSHIP
The provincial governments of Ontario and Alberta have announced a cross-provincial collaboration to support the development of a framework for international credential recognition and post-journeyperson certification. According to a recent press release, “this partnership [aims to] put Canadian workers first by reducing interprovincial barriers and red tape for credential recognition and encouraging the flow of labour between Ontario and Alberta.” Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the provinces will work together to share expertise and information and explore an international credential recognition framework for skilled trades workers. This partnership will also aim to expand offerings of post-journeyperson certifications to support graduates of apprenticeship programs in upskilling and achieving pathways to further their career prospects.
RECORD REGISTRATIONS
Shelley Gray, CEO for Skilled Trades B.C. says that the perception of the trades as a career is shifting as record numbers of both first-year apprentices and overall apprentices in the province have increased. Approximately 15,000 new apprentices registered in 2023 to 2024, up 21 percent from the previous year and above the provincial annual average of between 12,000 to 13,000. Skilled Trades B.C. also noted that approximately 10 percent of apprentices registered are women. The organization further announced three automotive trades will be introduced to the certification program. The three trades include heavy-duty equipment technician, automotive service technician and autobody collision technician. Currently, no phase-in date has been announced.
GREEN AND INNOVATIVE INVESTING
The Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault, alongside Ministers Jonathon Wilkinson and Seamus O’Regan, have launched a call for proposals from the industry under the new Sustainable Jobs Stream of the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy’s Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP). With an investment of over $95 million, the Canadian government hopes this funding will help unions and their partners provide green training to approximately 20,000 apprentices and journeypersons over the next five years. The UTIP Sustainable Jobs Stream is part of a new focus under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy to respond to the skilled trades workforce’s most pressing needs, including addressing barriers to successful entry, supporting progression and completion of apprenticeship, addressing financial crisis, and increasing net-zero manufacturing to unlock Canada’s economic potential. This call for proposals will be open until September 5, 2024.
