June 18, 2008

Canadian Apprenticeship Forum

Quebec takes innovative steps to overcome skilled-labour shortage

SHANNON MONEO

correspondent

Quebec is one of the few provinces in Canada making strides in its apprenticeship training programs and via new approaches, the province has been short-circuiting skill shortages.

At a June 9 session of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum 2008 Conference held in Victoria, Antoine Landry, from Quebec’s employment commission, outlined how a new regulation for trades not only protects the safety of the public and workers but shaves off training time.

The skills-based apprenticeship program places a greater focus on specific qualifications related to safety, Landry explained. Training material specific to each certificate includes an apprenticeship book with technical content, necessary job skills and practical advice.

The book also outlines mandatory qualifications along with advice for journeymen.

The student must master the course skills under the supervision of a qualified worker rather than focusing on the actual number of hours worked.

Knowledge of all tasks is required, Landry explained.

Compulsory courses are specific to each certificate and they must be passed before the final exam can be done.

The time spent on courses does not decrease the minimum apprenticeship requirements.

Best work practices are reflected in the program, Landry said, adding that on-the-job training is well structured.

Challenges have arisen, such as supporting apprentices as they practice the job skills necessary for qualification, as well as making the training readily available.

Landry presented comparisons of the number of hours required to earn a certificate under the new program and previous requirements.

A pipefitter would need 320 hours versus the previous 1,500. A plumber’s training hours plunge from 6,000 hours to 4,000 hours.

The new training regulation was adopted in March 2006 and put into effect in Quebec this past January.

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