Research summary: Understanding participation in pre-apprenticeship training
Official title: Understanding participation in pre-apprenticeship training
Authors of the report: Michelle G. Laing, Emily Jovic, Mamadou Diallo
Alternate formats
Understanding participation in pre-apprenticeship training [PDF - 277 KB]
Large print, braille, MP3 (audio), e-text and DAISY formats are available on demand by ordering online or calling 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232). If you use a teletypewriter (TTY), call 1-800-926-9105.
Why this study
Apprenticeship is a main training path for skilled trades in Canada. Many trades will need more workers in the future. Pre-apprenticeship training helps people learn about skilled trades and prepare for an apprenticeship.
This study looks at who takes pre-apprenticeship training. It compares experiences and outcomes of those with and without pre-apprenticeship. The research supports the Government of Canada's goal to make education and training more available.
What we did
There is no single source of data on pre-apprenticeship in Canada. We created a proxy measure using the Education and Labour Market Longitudinal Platform (ELMLP). There are 3 core datasets used to get at apprentice characteristics:
- Registered Apprenticeship Information System (RAIS)
- Postsecondary Student Information System (PSIS), and
- tax data from the T1 Family File (T1FF)
The RAIS tells us about the apprentices. This includes some personal traits, their programs, and if they had initial credits. The PSIS provides information about any college courses related to the trades. The T1FF gives us outcomes like earnings. A linkage of PSIS/RAIS to the 2021 Census brings in more apprentice traits.
We compared apprentices who took pre-apprenticeship with those who did not. This information was used to create a profile of apprentices who registered between 2010 and 2020 by whether they had pre-apprenticeship or not.
What we found
Between 2010 to 2020, 58% of 411,910 apprentices had done some form of pre-apprenticeship. Those with pre-apprenticeship were more likely to register for an apprenticeship, complete it, and get certified. In 2021, people working in technical and construction trades (which are well-paying trades) were more likely to have pre-apprenticeship than those with other jobs.
On average, those with pre-apprenticeship training earned more money. This is partly because they were more likely to complete their programs and apprentice in well-paying trades. This matters because many trades are considered "good" jobs. It suggests that pre-apprenticeship could help bring more people into well-paying careers.
What it means
This study shows that pre-apprenticeship training can help people get into skilled trades. However, some groups still have difficulties. We need to know more about pre-apprenticeship offerings and how they are related to apprenticeship pathways and outcomes.
The initial findings may be used to support program policy for ESDC program areas that deal with:
- apprenticeship
- skilled trades
- education and training, and
- workforce development and inclusion
Contact us
For access to the full report, please contact us using the email address below.
Skills and Employment Branch, Labour Market Information Directorate, Policy Research Analysis and Geomatics Division
Email: esdc.nc.sspb.research-recherche.dgpss.cn.edsc@esdc-edsc.gc.ca