2. Methodology

2.1 Objectives

The overall purpose of the project is “the research and communication of key findings regarding the perceived barriers to accessing and completing apprenticeship programs as they affect all segments of the population” in Canada. The project’s primary objectives were to:

• Identify and explore the perspectives of individuals, unions, employers, governments and educators concerning the barriers to accessing, maintaining and completing apprenticeships.
• Determine which barriers are systemic and which may be specific to certain groups.
• Engage the apprenticeship community in a consultative process to discuss the findings and examine recommendations.

In addition, the project sought to identify practices to overcome barriers, and to develop a strategy to support CAF-FCA in disseminating the findings and identifying areas for action.

2.2 Research Activities

The study sought to build on extensive existing literature, work and initiatives related to apprenticeship accessibility and barriers. Having captured this literature, the study added a primary-research component to fill in knowledge gaps and probe more qualitatively in particular areas.

In the process, the research team found it helpful to construct a conceptual framework for the apprenticeship process, which would allow the primary and secondary research to proceed in a systematic and comprehensive fashion. The framework constituted a common point of reference in the research questions, and provided a uniform means to organize research protocols for interviews and focus groups.

For individuals, unions and employers, the conceptual framework divided the apprenticeship process into four phases, each of which reflected a key step in the progress from awareness of apprenticeship to successful completion of apprenticeship programs. The four phases, which applied to individuals, unions and employers, were as follows: