Province Seeks Input on Improving Apprenticeship Opportunities

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is gathering input from a range of apprenticeship stakeholders that will help improve the apprenticeship system in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The NL Workforce Innovation Centre will be consulting with stakeholders on behalf of the department on recommendations provided to government by Prism Economics and Analysis to improve the efficiency, access, outcomes, and responsiveness of the apprenticeship system to labour market needs.

The consultation will gather feedback to ensure that implementing the recommendations meets the needs of stakeholders, resulting in a more effective and inclusive apprenticeship system in the province.

The centre is seeking input on topics including:

• Opportunities to strengthen industry participation in apprenticeship decision-making.
• The potential for advisory councils to provide ongoing industry input.
• Labour market information and workforce planning data needed by employers.
• Measures and performance indicators that can be used to evaluate the apprenticeship system.
• Supports that would help employers recruit, train, and retain apprentices.

The consultation is seeking input from apprentices, journeypersons, employers, unions, industry associations, Indigenous governments and organizations, training providers, community organizations, and other partners involved in the apprenticeship system. The inclusion of perspectives and experiences of groups such as Indigenous Peoples, newcomers, women, individuals who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, members of racialized groups, unions, and people with disabilities will be a priority to support meaningful engagement.

Consultations will include an online survey, in-person focus groups, a provincial virtual focus group, one-on-one interviews, and a public call for submissions.

The department anticipates the report on the consultation being completed later this year.

Industry stakeholders interested in participating in the consultation are encouraged to contact the NL Workforce Innovation Centre at nlwic@nlwic.ca .

Quotes

“We’re excited about the future for skilled tradespeople in Newfoundland and Labrador, especially with the advancement of the historic Bay du Nord project. Increasing the number of apprentices in our province is critical as we work to strengthen the economy, revitalize rural communities, and attract new industries and this consultation will provide valuable feedback on how we can expand training opportunities for apprentices”

Honourable Paul Dinn

Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development

“Stakeholder input is essential to building an apprenticeship system that works for everyone. NLWIC is committed to meaningful engagement which will inform the development of a roadmap to improve access, outcomes, and industry collaboration.”

Sharon McLennon

Director of NL Workforce Innovation Centre