Survey Encourages Apprentices to Complete Training

Apprentices and journeypeople in Atlantic Canada are making more money in better jobs than those who do not complete their apprenticeship training.

The information is included in the National Apprenticeship Survey results released on Sept. 16 by Statistics Canada. The survey was conducted for Human Resources Social Development Canada in partnership with the provinces and territories. Eight regional reports, including an Atlantic Province Overview Report, provide more in-depth results.

Results show that apprentices who complete their training tend to make substantially higher wages then those who do not. In 2005, almost 75 per cent of people who completed apprenticeships had an annual income higher than the median annual earnings of all Canadians.

Other results show that apprentices register for training because they are interested in the trade. They are generally satisfied with their technical and on-the-job training. Many who stop training before completion eventually complete their apprenticeship or pass the trade certification exam with the required hours of informal training.

"This survey is great news for the apprenticeship system in Nova Scotia and across the county," said Mark Parent, Minister of Labour and Workforce Development. "We value the talents our apprentices bring to the skilled trades in this province, and we will work to ensure our apprentices remain satisfied with their training, employment options and wages."

The National Apprenticeship Survey was designed to provide a more complete understanding of aspects of apprenticeship training in Canada. The survey gathered information from 30,000 individuals across the country who participated in apprenticeship programs between 2002 and 2004.

Information was collected on individuals' motives and entry to trade training; experiences with on-the-job and technical training; experiences with the examination and certification process; and post-apprenticeship labor market experiences.

The survey also determined that there is a low representation of women, immigrants and visible minorities in apprenticeship programs and there are some essential skills deficits among some apprentices.

The next steps will include the creation of a plan to address these outstanding issues.

The results of the survey are available on the Statistics Canada website at www.statcan.ca/english/dai-quo .