Ontario Construction News staff writer
A new national Youth Apprenticeship Council is expected to bring youth leadership directly into decisions shaping Canada’s skilled trades and apprenticeship system.
The inaugural council includes 11 young apprenticeship leaders from across the country who are working across diverse trades and industries.
An initiative of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, the group was created to ensure youth perspectives are formally integrated into research, policy discussions, and sector leadership conversations.
“Young apprentices experience the system in real time,” France Daviault, CAF-FCA CEO said in a statement. “They understand where it works and where it breaks down.
“This council ensures their perspective informs national dialogue and system improvement.”
At a time when Canada faces skilled labour shortages and growing pressure to modernize workforce development, the initiative will help young people navigating the system today are helping shape how it evolves tomorrow
Goals include:
- Identify barriers affecting youth recruitment, retention and completion
- Contribute to research and national consultations
- Serve as regional ambassadors within their sectors
- Strengthen connections between youth, employers, educators and decision makers
Over the coming weeks, CAF-FCA will introduce the inaugural members of the Council, representing regions across the country from Yukon to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Information about the Council’s structure, mandate and development opportunities will also be shared as the initiative launches, reinforcing transparency and encouraging future apprenticeship leaders.
