Statistics Canada data reveals increase in apprenticeship registration and trades certifications

Statistics Canada has released the 2018 data for new registration in apprenticeship programs and trades certifications.

The report, which was released Dec. 11, reveals an 11.6 per cent increase in apprenticeship program registrations and a 6.6 per cent increase in trades certifications since 2014. The report also reveals that the number of women entering the trades are higher than ever.

According to the report’s data, the number of new registrations across Canada has risen from 70,597 in 2017 to 79,860 in 2018.  Over half of the new registers were in Québec. British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario also reported significant increases.

The trades with the highest increase in new registrations were carpenters (+1,250), metal workers (+590) and electricians (+690).

Following four consecutive years of decreases, the number of certificates granted within the trades has risen 6.6 per cent to 54,520 in 2018. Like the new registrations, most of the increase in certificates were found among tradespeople in Ontario, Québec and British Columbia, primarily among electricians, metal workers, plumbers, aestheticians, pipe and steam fitters as well as food service.

source: The Daily (Stats Canada)

More women than ever are registering for apprenticeship programs. According to the data collected, the number of new registrations by women has doubled over the past 30 years. While the majority of female registrations were in trades such as early childhood educators, hairstylists and food services, more women have begun to enrol in apprenticeship programs that have been statistically speaking, traditionally occupied by men.

In 2018, 18.5 per cent of women who entered into the trades registered as electricians (4.8 per cent), automotive services (4.5 per cent), carpenters (4.5 per cent), welders (2.5 per cent) and plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (2.2 per cent).  The number of women enrolling in these programs however, have only slightly increased from 3.7 per cent in 2008 to 3.9 per cent in 2018.

Despite the slow-but-steady rise of women in the trades over the years, women still remain a minority across apprenticeship programs and on job sites.

source: The Daily (Stats Canada)

According to the National Apprenticeship Survey, women face unique challenges compared to men when undertaking an apprenticeship program, such as challenges with their employer, co-workers or union while men reported job instability as their primary challenge. Women are also nine times more likely than men to report harassment or discrimination during an apprenticeship.

View the original report here