The Apprenticeship System in Canada: Trends and Issues

This report provides an overview of the trends and issues related to the apprenticeship system in Canada. It first discusses theoretical perspectives on apprenticeship, then reviews the institutional features of apprenticeship systems in Canada and in other countries. The report concludes that the market for apprenticeship is principally constrained by employer demand rather than by the supply of potential apprentices. Consequently, it proposes reforms based on three main principles: apprenticeship programs should focus on improving the quality rather than the quantity of potential apprentices; financial incentives should be primarily directed towards firms; and strong apprenticeship sectoral committees are important in improving apprenticeship training and helping employers make investments in apprentices.

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