More than half of former apprenticeship students on Vancouver Island who were eligible to participate in a recent survey were pursuing careers in either carpentry or welding.

Highlights of the 2014 Apprenticeship Student Outcomes Survey of public post-secondary institutions on Vancouver Island (i.e., Camosun College, Vancouver Island University and North Island College combined) include:

• 94% of respondents were “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with their in-school training.
• 88% of employed respondents were working in a field related to their training.
• Employed respondents were earning a median wage of $25 per hour.
• 71% of former apprenticeship students eligible to be surveyed in the region were in one of three program groups: welding and precision production (36%), culinary arts and personal services (19%), carpentry (16%).

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 183 respondents from Camosun College, 142 from Vancouver Island University and 56 from North Island College for a total of 381 respondents from public post-secondary institutions on Vancouver Island.

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 –

“Our government is making investments in apprenticeship programs that are paying off. This survey confirms that students are getting the skills training that they need on Vancouver Island.”

Sherri Bell, president of Camosun College –

“An investment in trades education is an investment in building human potential. There are close to 2,700 students enrolled in over 20 different trades foundation and apprenticeship programs every year at Camosun. We are preparing our future workforce with the latest knowledge and skills they’ll need to build highly productive, rewarding careers while helping to address the skills gap for industry and create long-term prosperity for our province.”

Derek Vally, fourth-year Camosun College carpentry apprentice –

“I got interested in carpentry while working a desk job, where some carpenters were finishing up a project in the building. They showed me what they were doing, and recommended carpentry as a great career choice. I hope to continue working for my employer after I get my Red Seal because he has long-term, happy employees who seem to have a good lifestyle and challenging jobs.”

Michelle Stilwell, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum –

“Students are overwhelmingly happy with the skills training they are receiving on Vancouver Island. Their satisfaction is a testament to all – local employer sponsors and our post-secondary institutions – who are making a positive contribution in keeping our Island economy strong and prepared for the future.”

Don McRae, MLA for Comox Valley –

“Apprenticeships are proven to help people train and get the skills needed to succeed in their chosen career. With the majority of future jobs requiring specific and hands-on training, it’s good to see Vancouver Island students are very well served with the training they are receiving inside the classroom and with local employers.”

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/