The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum – Forum canadien sur l'apprentissage (CAF-FCA) invites presentation abstracts for our next national conference.

The 2024 National Apprenticeship Conference will bring Canada’s apprenticeship community together to highlight promising practices and innovative solutions in apprenticeship training. More than 500 delegates are expected to participate over three days.

Date: June 2 - 4, 2024

Location: Telus Convention Centre, Calgary AB

Many programs exist for successful recruitment to the skilled trades, yet apprentice progression and retention continue to pose challenges for both learners and industry.  In a collaborative environment with appropriate supports in place, apprenticeship is the solution for training and retaining Canada’s future skilled trades workforce. 

2021 Statistics Canada data suggests a positive trend in apprenticeship completions post-COVID-19. Evidence indicates that there is no one clear reason for non-completion. A better understanding of the factors impacting apprenticeship completion help inform what can be done to help apprentices complete their programs and help skilled trades employers retain top talent.

CAF-FCA invites members of the apprenticeship community to provide their valuable insights on what supports and programs are successful at supporting tradespeople along their skilled trades journey.  Employers, apprentices, trainers, administrators and others can apply to showcase research and proven initiatives that encourage apprentice progression along their skilled trades career journey and illustrate the benefits or completion for the learner, industry and the Canadian economy.

A successful submission will:

• Share insights into innovative projects, initiatives and partnerships that stand to support progression to certification in apprenticeship training, highlighting the competitive advantage of equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible workplaces
• Inspire the apprenticeship community to engage in holistic, innovative and collaborative solutions to address common challenges, including skills shortages, employer engagement and apprenticeship completion
• Provide opportunities to connect with new ideas and perspectives, empowering delegates to partner with others and/or lead innovation in their community, trade, or sector

About Us

CAF-FCA a non-profit organization that connects Canada’s apprenticeship community. Participants work collaboratively to support vibrant and innovative apprenticeship systems and policies with a view to developing a highly skilled, inclusive, and mobile skilled trades workforce. Employers, unions, equity-seeking groups, educational institutions, associations, and the jurisdictions support CAF-FCA operations through membership.

Since 2000, CAF-FCA has fundamentally changed the conversation about apprenticeship in Canada. It has provided research insights, facilitated dialogue, profiled promising initiatives, and promoted apprenticeship. By creating opportunities to share successes and address common issues, CAF-FCA contributes to effective local, regional, and national solutions.

More information is available at caf-fca.org.