Breaking Down Barriers: ApprenticeSearch.com’s Approach to Equity in Skilled Trades

How do we ensure all equity-deserving groups have opportunities in the trades?

Ensuring equity-deserving groups have opportunities in the trades starts with understanding their experiences and the barriers they face. 

We wanted to make sure we were understanding the needs of all of our clients, so in 2021-2022, ApprenticeSearch.com undertook a significant research project to explore the experience of individuals from equity-seeking groups in the skilled trades, identify and examine common barriers to employment in the skilled trades, and provide recommendations for enhancing the experiences of individuals from underrepresented groups who are pursuing skilled trades careers and apprenticeships. 

The findings of the research project have allowed us to tailor our programs and services to address the common barriers identified by equity-seekers in the skilled trades, so that we can better support career pathways and apprenticeship completion for individuals from groups who are traditionally underrepresented in the skilled trades. 

For example, one of the outcomes of our research was validating our experience that programs aiming to offer trades opportunities to people from equity-deserving groups must have tailored support baked right in, and that organizations teaming up with these groups need to step into advocacy shoes, working hand-in-hand with the communities they support to bridge those opportunity gaps. Collaboration and advocacy make the real difference.

There are various barriers for underrepresented groups pursuing a meaningful career in the skilled trades – how does ApprenticeSearch.com play a role in removing barriers to entry and support employees in their skilled trades career search?

Nearly half of our job seekers belong to at least one equity-deserving group, and we know our diverse user base has unique needs and requires customized support when it comes to finding employment in the trades.

We work with equity-deserving individuals on a one-on-one basis to help us understand precisely what they are struggling with so we can provide them with mentorship, system navigation, and coaching to address any barriers they might have encountered directly.  Our case management model is strength-based and equity-informed and is a critical intervention for supporting employment outcomes for our job seekers. 

The future of Canada’s skilled trades industry is exciting. Technology is advancing, new opportunities around the green economy are emerging, and there is an encouraging shift in acknowledging the inherent value of skilled trades as a fulfilling and pivotal career pathway crucial to Canada’s economy.  

In addition, our programs have been designed to help participants grow their networks and connections, both from a professional standpoint and a peer standpoint. We know that building community and being connected to people with a shared or similar experience can be a powerful intervention when it comes to breaking down barriers to entry. 

How can employers utilize ApprenticeSearch.com to diversify their workforce?

ApprenticeSearch.com has over 25,000 active job seekers, and, as I mentioned earlier, 47% of them belong to at least one equity-deserving group. For example, we have over 5000 women registered and using the site – it’s over 20% of our user base, compared to the national average of women in trades, which is closer to 5%. And over 7000 of our job seekers identify as newcomers.  With new registrations happening every day, our user base is highly reflective of Canada’s diversity.

Employers looking to diversify their workforce can create an account on ApprenticeSearch.com and work with our team to post a job and hire from our user base, with support from our team. They can also participate in our many programs and events that help introduce people from all walks of life to the skilled trades pathway. 

Finally, employers hiring and training individuals from equity-deserving groups could be eligible for a Canadian Apprenticeship Service grant, which includes free training that supports improving the participation and success of equity-deserving groups in the trades. 

How are apprenticeships playing a key role in addressing Canada’s skilled trades labour shortage?

With our country’s key priorities hinging on areas like housing, infrastructure, affordability, and the green economy, the demand for a diverse and skilled workforce has never been more pronounced. Skilled trades professionals are the backbone of supporting these economic and social objectives. The truth is, we can’t meet this demand without diversifying our skilled workforce further.

Apprenticeships offer an ideal solution by marrying classroom learning with hands-on training. They empower individuals to not only learn but to contribute directly to our workforce, addressing the persistent shortage of skilled workers in Canada’s trades. That’s why it’s crucial to identify and bring in the right people, kickstarting their journey toward these vital roles.

What role does ApprenticeSearch.com play in connecting employers and apprentices, and ensure the talent pool is as diverse and inclusive as Canada’s population?

One of the greatest barriers job seekers face is that they lack the network and connections to find employment. So much of the skilled trades workforce is built on who you know – and if you don’t know anyone in the skilled trades, it’s going to be that much harder to find someone who is willing to take the risk and not just hire you – but make the commitment to sign and train you as an apprentice. 

So ApprenticeSearch.com acts as that network for people who don’t have one. We make direct connections between employers and job seekers through our matching services, where employers can post a job and we will help connect them with a qualified pool of candidates. And we also host programs and events that are very much tailored to support our participants as they build their networks, whether that’s through networking events, mentorship groups, or guest speakers who are willing to share their vast knowledge and experience. And in the almost 25 years we’ve been doing this, we’ve found that experienced skilled trades professionals and journey people are always so generous with their time and are excited to connect with people who are just starting out on the apprenticeship pathway. 

What is the future of Canada’s skilled trades industry?

The future of Canada’s skilled trades industry is exciting. Technology is advancing, new opportunities around the green economy are emerging, and there is an encouraging shift in acknowledging the inherent value of skilled trades as a fulfilling and pivotal career pathway crucial to Canada’s economy.  

Returning to the initial point, there’s also a notable dedication within the industry to further cultivate an inclusive, diverse, and empowered workforce. This commitment underscores a fundamental recognition that a thriving industry depends on embracing diversity and providing equal opportunities. The future of Canada’s skilled trades isn’t just about innovation and growth; it’s about fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to contribute and excel.