Calgary, Alberta — The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum will host its 2020 National Apprenticeship Conference in Calgary, running from May 24-26. It will take place at the Telus Convention Centre in Calgary.
The 2020 conference will highlight initiatives, programs and strategies that help attract and retain top talent in skilled trade positions in fields like automotive repair.
Held every two years since 2000, the biennial affair together more than 500 apprenticeship stakeholders to share ideas and discuss ways to enhance Canada’s apprenticeship system.
In the May National Apprenticeship conference, a presentation from the Government of Alberta—The Domino Effect of Collaboration and Apprenticeship—officials will discuss how collaborative industry network and how involving the right people at the right places can elevate and evolve the apprenticeship system.
“By working with industry, Alberta is able to ensure its apprenticeship programs remain innovative, agile, and responsive to Alberta’s labour market. But that’s only part of the equation,” organizers tease.
“By involving industry in shaping classroom learning, trades professionals are introduced to other key stakeholders in the apprenticeship system. This leads to greater engagement, the growth of system advocates, and greater awareness and engagement of youth and underrepresented groups.”
Other discussions will also touch on ways to breakdown the stigma associated with skilled trades careers, and to engage youth in rewarding apprenticeship programs.
In the plenary session, CAF organizers will unveil the National Strategy for Supporting Women in Trades.
YouthBuild Canada, which seeks to unleash the intelligence and positive energy of low-income young people to rebuild their communities and their lives—all while providing life-altering skills training—will discuss how its Indigenous YouthBuild Canada has impacted Manitoba communities.
According to YouthBuild, the initiative has been “empowering Indigenous students to engage in the skilled trades in a way that changes their own lives and those of their entire community.
CAF hosts in-person and virtual events designed to give the apprenticeship community opportunities to share best practices and collaborate to address common challenges.
Regional roundtables occur across the country, bringing local stakeholders together to discuss various topics, learn from apprenticeship research and discover new resources.
Interactive online events provide one-hour sessions to showcase promising initiatives and programs from every corner of Canada.
On the final day of the event, the CAF will hand out the National Excellence in Apprenticeship Awards. These brand-new awards will celebrate Canada’s top apprentice, top employer and Canada’s foremost champion of inclusivity.
Conference registration is $799, though CAF-FCA members are entitled to a number of discounted passes.
To register, follow this link.