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Online tool to improve skilled trades training announced at National Apprenticeship Conference

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Ottawa – At the recent virtual Canadian Apprenticeship Forum a new CAF-FCA project funded through the federal government’s Union Training and Innovation Program.

In partnership with the International Union of Operating Engineers, the project, entitled “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 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.

In a news release, the CAF-FCA said 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.

For more information, contact the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum.