Apprenticeship Recommendations Project

Building a Stronger, More Inclusive Skilled Trades Future for NL

The Apprenticeship Recommendations Project, led by the NL Workforce Innovation Centre (NLWIC), is a province-wide initiative to transform the apprenticeship system in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Guided by the 2024 Apprenticeship System Review Report, which provided thirty-one recommendations, this Project is focused on twelve key recommendations which were mandated to NLWIC to implement in order to create a more accessible, equitable, sustainable, and effective apprenticeship system; one that meets the labour market demand for skilled tradespeople in Newfoundland and Labrador to support workforce development in the province, now and into the future.

Why this Project Matters

Newfoundland and Labrador’s skilled trades sector is evolving. To ensure that our province remains committed and inclusive, NLWIC is working with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development to address barriers faced by equity-deserving groups, including Indigenous Peoples, newcomers, women, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, racialized groups, and people with disabilities. Our goal: to shape an innovative apprenticeship system where everyone can thrive while meeting the labour market needs for a skilled trades workforce that will meet demand across the province.

What We Are Doing

NLWIC is implementing twelve recommendations to enhance the apprenticeship system, focusing on improving efficiency, access, outcomes, and responsiveness to labour market needs. Through the Apprenticeship Recommendations Project, we hope to create meaningful career pathways into the skilled trades, ensuring that individuals have the support and opportunities to stay and succeed in the province’s sectors that require those skilled trades.

The project will involve key actions to enhance the apprenticeship system.

Mandated Recommendatoins

01

Policy Recommendations

Creating evidence-based recommendations to address key target areas and develop processes that center equity.

02

Proposed Policy and Legislative Changes

Partnering with industry to strengthen apprenticeship pathways and build coordination among stakeholders.

03

Long-term Planning

Inviting stakeholders to shape the future of apprenticeship in NL and develop a Three-Year Roadmap.

04

Labour Market Information

Analyzing access for equity-deserving groups, developing outcomes-based system monitoring, and evaluating future labour force supply and demand.

05

Managing Data

Tracking and monitoring outcomes for data-driven results.

06

Innovative Approaches

Examining the possibilities to reach more apprentices by delivering training through mobile, virtual, or online channels and offering block training in remote communities across the province.

As part of Stakeholder Engagement, we consulting are apprentices, journeypersons, employers, sector associations, unions, non-governmental organizations, and training providers, and other underrepresented, including Indigenous Groups, newcomers, women, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, racialized groups, and people with disabilities to ensure that every voice is heard.

The consultations include focus groups, an online survey, one-on-one interviews, and calls for submissions to gather diverse perspectives from apprentices, employers, and other labour in the skilled trades sector.

What We Aim to Achieve Together

Gather diverse perspectives and insights about the province’s apprenticeship system to ensure it reflects the needs, expectations and outcomes of those it serves.

Use stakeholder feedback to help inform the implementation of the 12 key recommendations, focusing on governance, effectiveness, sustainability, and accessibility.

Strengthen partnerships among industry, training providers, non-governmental organizations, and government to better align with labour market needs.

Address barriers and create opportunities for equity-deserving groups to participate and succeed in the skilled trades and the workforce.

Shaping the Future

Input gathered from the consultations will help develop a Three-Year Roadmap, inform proposed policy and legislative changes, determine labour market information and workforce planning data needed by employers, create measures and performance indicators that can be used to evaluate the apprenticeship system in the future, and assess the potential for sectoral advisory councils and other means to provide ongoing industry input.

group of ingenious workers in robotics, apprentice engineer programming robots in car factory

Our Desired Impact on Apprenticeship Training

Equitable Access

Ensure broader, more equitable access to apprenticeship training for all individuals, particularly equity-deserving groups.

Streamlined Processes

Simplify apprenticeship processes to make them more efficient and effective.

Labour Market Alignment

Align apprenticeship programs with current and future labour market needs.

Sustainable Workforce Development

Foster a sustainable, long-term apprenticeship system that supports individuals, communities and the province.

Regional Collaboration

Build stronger regional networks and enhance coordination among partners to maximize resources and opportunities.

Quality Training

Deliver effective, high-quality apprenticeship training using a variety of platforms that equips participants with the skills necessary to succeed in the workforce.

Get Involved

NLWIC invites all stakeholders to participate in our consultations to help build a apprenticeship system that works for everyone.

Learn more, share your insights, and be part of the change.

Consultation Opportunities

Broad engagement with stakeholders is central to our approach. We invite all stakeholders to participate in consultations, share your insights, and help shape the future of apprenticeship in Newfoundland and Labrador. Here is how you can get involved.

Participate in Our Targeted Consultations

Share your insights and experiences through our targeted survey, focus groups, or interviews.

Public Call for Submissions

NLWIC is actively seeking your input! We are currently accepting submissions.

Submit your feedback

Get in Touch!

All interested parties who wish to learn more about the Apprenticeship Recommendations Project and the consultations can reach out directly to:

Rafiur R. Bhuiyan, Project Coordinator Apprenticeship Recommendations Project
NL Workforce Innovation Centre
T: 709-637-8590
Email: rafi.bhuiyan@nlwic.ca

Our Funders and Collaborators

Funding for the Apprenticeship Recommendations Project is provided by the provincial Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

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