March 19, 2013 – A young and growing source of workers in the trades, Aboriginal peoples already make up about 5% of the skilled trades workforce across Canada, and are represented at an even higher rate in remote areas, says the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF). 

To share examples of effective practices and programs, CAF is inviting practitioners, jurisdictions, researchers and other stakeholders to submit articles to a special issue of the Canadian Apprenticeship Journal focused on Aboriginal initiatives.

“Employers, jurisdictions, Aboriginal groups and apprenticeship stakeholders are making big strides when it comes to engaging the Aboriginal population in the skilled trades,” said CAF.

Authors will be encouraged to showcase programs and initiatives that engage and support Aboriginal participation in the skilled trades. Research articles should be 10 to 12 pages in length. Shorter pieces from 2 to 5 pages on a specific program or initiative are also acceptable.

The deadline for submissions is June 28, 2013.

Some themes of interest for this issue include:

• Barriers for Aboriginal youth related to apprenticeship training and potential solutions;
• Creating and implementing meaningful programs that include a role for Aboriginal elders and community members;
• Examples of initiatives from across sectors and various jurisdictions, including Essential Skills and career awareness programs; and
• Approaches to assessing the impact and effectiveness of programs geared towards Aboriginal participants.

CAF believes the special issue will help to:

• Provide mutually-beneficial learning opportunities to inform and influence apprenticeship strategies.
• Support evidence-based decision-making and apprenticeship policy development.
• Enhance apprenticeship training systems, creating access to a highly-skilled and inclusive workforce in the skilled trades.

“We are grateful to the Department of Education Culture and Employment, Government of the Northwest Territories, who has helped to sponsor this issue,” added CAF. 

There are ongoing opportunities to sponsor issues of the journal. For more information, contact the project manager:

Emily Arrowsmith
(613) 235-4004 ext. 201
www.caf-fca.org