From June 2020 to June 2022, the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF-FCA) is piloting an online tool with 2,000 apprentices and journeypersons. CAF-FCA’s goal is to encourage interested employers to experiment with the way on-the-job training is documented improving apprentice skills development and progression. CAF-FCA is piloting the tool in Canada due to the benefits UK apprentices have experienced when using it. Benefits of the tool are improved safety, greater productivity, fewer costs and more efficient program progression.

For the pilot, we are focused on electricians, carpenters, welders and plumbers. Every apprentice and journeyperson will receive free training on how to use the tool and then apprentices will be able to upload videos and pictures of themselves demonstrating their skills. It will be like an enhanced online resume for the apprentice and will allow them to keep track of their skills achievements. Journeypersons will assess the videos and pictures and provide feedback to apprentices on skills gaps.

Apprentices and journeypersons will be able to access the tool for free. As a part of the research study, we are going to ask apprentices how they like the tool and to share any key outcomes in terms of their progress. Journeypersons will also be asked about their experiences with the tool. Information will be gathered through questionnaires and interviews. We are then going to publish a research report and host an event to share the findings with the apprenticeship community.

The Best Practice Models for Industry Engagement project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Centre.

If you have any questions, please contact Emily Arrowsmith, Researcher/Project Manager, Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, at emily@caf-fca.org. or 613-235-4004 Ext 2011.