This report reviews findings from a research portfolio focused on the role of shared apprenticeship models (SAMs) in modernizing Ontario's apprenticeship system. SAMs involve sharing responsibility for the administration and training of apprentices across multiple employers. SAMs are also known as 'group training organizations', 'group sponsors', 'joint apprenticeship training committees', and 'consortia'. The SAM pilot trades include four construction sector trades: Electrician - Construction and Maintenance (309A), Plumber (306A), Brick and Stone Mason (401A), and General Carpenter (403A). F
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This report reviews findings from a research portfolio focused on the role of shared apprenticeship models (SAMs) in modernizing Ontario's apprenticeship system. SAMs involve sharing responsibility for the administration and training of apprentices across multiple employers. SAMs are also known as 'group training organizations', 'group sponsors', 'joint apprenticeship training committees', and 'consortia'. The SAM pilot trades include four construction sector trades: Electrician - Construction and Maintenance (309A), Plumber (306A), Brick and Stone Mason (401A), and General Carpenter (403A). Five industrial sector trades also were included in the pilot programs: General Machinist (429A), Tool and Die Maker (430A), Industrial Mechanic Millwright (433A), Industrial Electrician (442A), and Metal Fabricator (437A). SAMs respond to the specific needs of small- and medium-sized employers (SMEs). Even though apprenticeship is a post-secondary pathway that depends on the participation of employers, only 19 per cent of skilled trades employers participate in apprenticeship training. The challenge is especially acute for SMEs, who typically find the apprenticeship system too complex to navigate, and often lack the time and human resources required to train apprentices. By providing administrative support and recruitment services to SMEs, consortia have the potential to engage employers who are new to training.
This report synthesizes data from two developmental evaluations, one process evaluation, and one research study to address the following questions: What are the key findings from the SAM projects? What does a typical apprentice's journey in a shared apprenticeship program look like? What are the registration and completion trends in the trades targeted by the shared apprenticeship programs? What are the benefits and drawbacks of a SAM for SMEs? How do apprentices describe the benefits and drawbacks of participating in a shared apprenticeship program? A total of 76 apprentices participated in the SAMs. Apprentices expressed positive views of the benefits offered by a SAM. These benefits included help with registering as an apprentice, assistance with finding work opportunities, and guidance offered by a third-party coach on how to be successful in the trades.
Edited excerpts from publication.
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