A survey of former British Columbia apprenticeship students shows that 86% of students who completed their training at public post-secondary institutions in the Interior and Kootenays were employed and earning a median hourly wage of $29.

Highlights from the 2014 Apprenticeship Student Outcomes Survey for Interior and Kootenay public post-secondary institutions (i.e., Okanagan College, Thompson Rivers University, College of the Rockies and Selkirk College combined) include:

• 93% of respondents were “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with their in-school training.
• 87% of employed respondents were working in a field related to their training.
• 95% of employed respondents said the knowledge and skills gained in their training was “very useful” or “somewhat useful” in performing their job.
• 73% of former apprenticeship students eligible to be surveyed in the region were in one of three program groups: welding and precision production (38%), electrician (20%), carpentry (15%).

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 238 respondents from Okanagan College, 175 from Thompson Rivers University, 48 from College of the Rockies and 34 from Selkirk College for a total of 495 respondents from public post-secondary institutions in the Interior and Kootenays.

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.

Quotes:

Andrew Wilkinson, Minister of Advanced Education –

“Investment in apprenticeship programs is essential to the success of the B.C. economy. This survey confirms that public post-secondary institutions in the Interior and Kootenays are turning out skilled workers who go on to find good, high-paying jobs.”

David Walls, president and CEO, College of the Rockies –

“The survey has reaffirmed our long-held belief that students who complete apprenticeship training are highly employable. Students who complete their education and training in our region are more likely to stay and build their careers here. We’re pleased to be able to provide this training in the East Kootenay, where there is a demand for these skilled tradespeople.”

Josh Prasad, former College of the Rockies electrical apprenticeship student –

“It was great being able to do my electrical apprenticeship in the Kootenays because it is where I’m from. I’ve been able to make a good living in a trade I love. My apprenticeship training at College of the Rockies is what has brought me to where I am today.”

Bill Bennett, MLA for Kootenay East –

“These survey results confirm our government’s belief that an investment in skills training is an investment in our province’s future. Many of these graduates are living and working in the Kootenays and elsewhere in the Interior, which solidifies our local economies and builds our communities.”

Greg Kyllo, MLA for Shuswap and Parliamentary Secretary for the BC Jobs Plan –

“A fundamental part of the BC Jobs Plan is the investments in skills training. Our commitment to apprenticeship programs means youth in our communities will have the opportunity to learn the skills needed to get a job at graduation and build a comfortable life in B.C.”

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/