A survey of former British Columbia apprenticeship students shows that 92% of students who completed their training at public post-secondary institutions in the Lower Mainland were employed and working in a related field.

“Investment by our government in skills training in the Lower Mainland and throughout B.C. is paying off,” said Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson. “Students in apprenticeship programs expect to find good, high-paying jobs when they finish, and this survey confirms that is happening.”

Highlights from the 2014 Apprenticeship Student Outcomes Survey for public post-secondary institutions in the Lower Mainland (i.e., British Columbia Institute of Technology, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, University of the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Community College combined) include:

• 94% of respondents were “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with their in-school training.
• 92% of employed respondents were working in a field related to their training.
• Employed respondents were earning a median wage of $28 per hour.
• 64% of former apprenticeship students eligible to be surveyed in the region were in one of three program groups: welding and precision production (27%), electrician (22%), culinary arts and personal services (15%).

“The University of the Fraser Valley electrician program has provided me with the skills I need to start my career in this trade,” said former apprenticeship student Justin Scherle. “The knowledge I've gained is exactly what employers are looking for, and I've been working in the energy sector both as an apprentice and now as a journeyman.”

“Apprentices are being snapped-up by industry throughout B.C.,” said John English, dean of the Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies at the University of the Fraser Valley. “Students learning their trade have access to the best apprenticeship training possible and it prepares them with bedrock skills that are foundational to their career in their chosen field. This benefits the student, industry and communities throughout the province.”

The 2014 Apprenticeship Student Outcomes Survey is the tenth annual survey of former apprenticeship students. A total of 5,698 apprentices who completed their apprenticeship training at a B.C. public or private post-secondary institution between July 1, 2012, and June 30, 2013, were eligible. The survey was conducted from January to May 2014. There were 3,046 apprenticeship respondents throughout the province, for a response rate of 53%.

There were 780 respondents from BCIT, 114 from KPU, 111 from UFV and 211 from VCC for a total of 1,216 respondents from public post-secondary institutions in the Lower Mainland.

British Columbia will need more skilled tradespeople in the years ahead. Taking steps now to encourage employers to sponsor apprentices is an important way to address the workforce needs of the province. It is critical for youth and others looking to get into the workforce to have employers who are willing to help them achieve their certification.

Learn More:

Provincewide highlights of the 2014 Apprenticeship Student Outcomes Survey can be viewed in the BC Student Outcomes: The 2014 Highlights report at: http://outcomes.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/Publications/AboutPublications.aspx

To view the 2014 Apprenticeship Student Outcomes Survey Report of Findings, which focuses on traditional apprenticeships, visit: http://outcomes.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/WhatsNew/15-09-18/2014_Apprenticeship_Survey_Report_of_Findings.aspx

Traditional apprentices must complete all levels of training before they can write their certification exams.

The B.C. Access Grant for Labour Market Priorities allows students to access trades training, and includes a component for eligible students wishing to relocate to attend an eligible public institution: https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/bc-access-grant-labour-market-priorities

For more information about apprenticeship programs in B.C., visit the Industry Training Authority website: http://www.itabc.ca/