Employers Encouraged to Hire Apprentices

The return on investment for hiring apprentices continues to rise, according to a national study on apprenticeship.

The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum study indicates that for every dollar an employer invests in an apprentice, it gets a net return of up to $1.47, a nine-cent increase from 2006. Results from the study, which surveyed 700 trades employers from across the country, were presented in Yarmouth, today, April 24, during a breakfast designed to encourage more employers to hire apprentices.

"Now is the time for more employers to get involved in apprenticeship training," said Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Richard Hurlburt, on behalf of Labour and Workforce Development Minister Mark Parent. "This study is proof that hiring and mentoring an apprentice is not only a good personal choice, it is a good business decision."

The breakfast was part of an ongoing effort by Labour and Workforce Development and the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Board to promote apprenticeship as an effective model for training and education, while contributing to the development of a skilled, high-quality, and mobile labour force.

Trades employers spoke about how hiring apprentices enhances business performance by increasing productivity and decreasing turnover. Despite the benefit of apprenticeship, the study indicated that, nationally, less than 20 per cent or possible employers participate in such training.

"The apprentices that we have mentored over the years have brought a wealth of skill and knowledge to the industry, and many have become full-time employees with us once they completed their training," said Everett Tytis, marine superintendant with AF Theriault and Sons Inc.

"I personally am a full supporter of the apprenticeship system, and feel that the training provides the student with the skills needed to succeed in this industry."

Full results of the Return on Training Investment for Employers Phase II report will be posted in June to the Canadian Apprenticeship Forums website at www.caf-fca.org/ .