Second, readers may note that some of the barriers identified in this report are not peculiar to apprenticeship but are equally evident for other forms of training and education. The barriers described in this report are based on information gathered in the specific context of apprenticeship, and it is the applicability of these barriers to apprenticeship that is the focus of this report.
The methodology used in this report focuses heavily on secondary research. This research was supported by primary-research activities in the form of stakeholder interviews and focus-group discussions. This consultation report represents the accumulation of significant amounts of qualitative data. A more detailed description of this methodology is contained in the introduction section of the report.
In conducting its work, the research team was moved by the sometimes-difficult experiences related by apprentices, tradespersons and members of individual equity groups. The energy and imagination with which many stakeholders and jurisdictions have overcome many barriers is clearly visible. These efforts complement and support the strong commitment demonstrated by all stakeholder groups to support apprenticeship and make it better.
While perceptions of barriers exist, substantial work is currently being undertaken within the apprenticeship community to address them. It is hoped this consultation report will be used as a catalyst to stimulate discussion and agreement about key activities and opportunities to address perceived barriers.
It is anticipated that this document will become a broad consultative tool to examine and discuss these perceptions further. The consultative process will be aimed at engaging the apprenticeship community in an effort to develop additional recommendations and solutions to overcome barriers.
Researchers sought to complement existing literature, work and initiatives about barriers to apprenticeship opportunities by filling in knowledge gaps and probe more qualitatively into what is known at a broad level. The project’s literature review consisted of an examination of more than 200 documents; a majority of those were entered into a searchable database. Interviews were conducted with more than 50 apprenticeship stakeholders and an additional 10 focus groups were held in six locations across Canada. This approach reflected the researchers requirement to explore in greater depth the barriers faced by particular constituencies.
The team identified a group of generic barriers that seemed to affect apprentices, unions and employers. These barriers constitute a fundamental set of obstacles that are experienced in different ways by members of particular groups. These groups include women, Aboriginal people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities and immigrants. Immigrants, who constitute a growing percentage of Canada’s labour force, were included, because they face specific barriers associated with their immigrant status.