Province seeks input on improving apprenticeship system

The Newfoundland and Labrador government is seeking input from apprentices, employers, unions and other stakeholders as it looks to improve the province’s apprenticeship system.

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development has enlisted the NL Workforce Innovation Centre to consult with stakeholders on recommendations made by Prism Economics and Analysis aimed at improving the efficiency, accessibility and outcomes of the apprenticeship system.

The review will also examine how well the system responds to labour-market needs.

Consultations will focus on several areas, including strengthening industry participation in apprenticeship decision-making, the potential creation of advisory councils to provide ongoing industry input, and improving access to labour-market information and workforce-planning data for employers.

Stakeholders will also be asked about measures and performance indicators that could be used to assess the apprenticeship system, as well as supports that could help employers recruit, train and retain apprentices.

The consultation will include apprentices, journeypersons, employers, unions, industry associations, Indigenous governments and organizations, training providers, community organizations and other partners involved in apprenticeship.

The province says the perspectives of Indigenous Peoples, newcomers, women, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, racialized groups, unions and people with disabilities will be prioritized as part of the engagement process.

Consultations will be conducted through an online survey, in-person focus groups, a provincewide virtual focus group, one-on-one interviews and a public call for submissions.

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development expects a report on the consultation to be completed later this year.

Industry stakeholders interested in participating can contact the NL Workforce Innovation Centre by email at nlwic@nlwic.ca.