Lane, J. & Griffiths, J. (2015). Building Blocks - Modular Credentials for Canada's Trades. Calgary: Canada West Foundation.
Canada's trades training system is in the process of re-building. In part, this is in response to the "skills gap" and in part, it's about embracing new approaches to flexible, competency-based learning. Only about four in ten apprentices complete their program and receive their certificate of qualification.
Certified journeypersons are critical to the Canadian economy; they are the highest, broadest skillset holders in the trades. The apprenticeship system has produced many highly skilled and competent journeypersons who are the backbone of their respective industries. Nevertheless, there are hundreds of thousands of people working in the trades without any kind of formal government issued credential. For Canada to become more productive and competitive, there is a need to look at new approaches to skills development. This quick read, at no cost, outlines an approach to the reinvention of trades education.
