OTTAWA – The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF) has announced a new national Youth Apprenticeship Council has been established to bring youth leadership directly into decisions shaping Canada’s skilled trades and apprenticeship system.
According to a relrease, the inaugural council includes 11 young apprenticeship leaders representing regions from the Yukon to British Columbia to Newfoundland and Labrador. Members include current apprentices working across diverse trades and industries.
The genesis of the council is to ensure youth perspectives are formally integrated into research, policy discussions and sector leadership conversations.
“Young apprentices experience the system in real time,” said France Daviault, CAF CEO, in a statement. “They understand where it works and where it breaks down. This council ensures their perspective informs national dialogue and system improvement.”
The Youth Apprenticeship Council will:
- Identify barriers affecting youth recruitment, retention and completion
- Contribute to research and national consultations
- Serve as regional ambassadors within their sectors
- Strengthen connections between youth, employers, educators and decision-makers
Over the coming weeks, CAF will share more information about its structure, mandate and development opportunities will also be shared, the release notes.
The inaugural members can be seen here.
