CLBC, on behalf of the Essential Skills group at Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, undertook an environmental scan of projects related to essential skills and the trades. The objectives of the project were to:
- describe what Essential Skills work in apprenticeship and skilled trades has been undertaken and completed to date,
- enumerate what projects are currently underway, and
- describe the context in which the work was undertaken from the provincial/ territorial and federal governments, and sector councils’ perspectives.
The research identified 121 projects related to apprenticeship and the trades. The research found projects in most regions of the country (except Quebec), a strong level of leadership by organized labour, and a growing involvement of apprenticeship authorities. Obviously, there is still much to be done – such as promoting the development of Essential Skills tools.
It is clear that people do understand the importance of several of the Essential Skills and feel comfortable dealing with them. However, research is needed to understand how the newer Essential Skills can be taught and understood in relation to apprenticeship.
The interest on the part of the provinces and territories as noted through the designation of people responsible for Essential Skills is a good foundation for future work. The involvement of several apprenticeship offices speaks well for the linking of Essential Skills and the trades.
