Canadian Apprenticeship Forum - Forum canadien sur l'apprentissage

📢 Registration is now open for the 2026 National Apprenticeship Conference!

Join apprenticeship leaders, employers, labour representatives, educators, policymakers, and workforce development professionals from across Canada in beautiful Whistler, BC, October 4–6, 2026.

As Canada's premier apprenticeship event, NAC brings together the people, organizations, and ideas shaping the future of apprenticeship and workforce development.

✅ Registration is now open
✅ Sponsorship opportunities available
✅ Exhibit space available
✅ Detailed program coming soon

Looking to connect with a national audience of apprenticeship and workforce development leaders? Sponsorship and exhibit opportunities are already filling quickly.

📍 Whistler Conference Centre
📅 October 4–6, 2026

🎟️ Register today: https://lnkd.in/eY7eEg-c

Who are you hoping to connect with at NAC 2026?

📣 Apprentices aren’t just part of the system. They’re living it.

Canada’s Youth Apprenticeship Council is weighing in on the federal government’s latest investments in skilled trades and apprenticeship.

From those currently navigating the system, this is what matters most:
✔️ Quality training
✔️ Faster access to opportunities
✔️ A system that works in real life, not just on paper

We’re encouraged to see progress, and we’re clear on where there’s still work to do.

Read the full statement:
🔗 https://caf-fca.org/media_overview/apprentices-weigh-in-a-statement-from-canadas-youth-apprenticeship-council/

📣 Les apprentis ne font pas que partie du système. Ils le vivent au quotidien.

Le Conseil des jeunes apprentis du Canada réagit aux récents investissements du gouvernement fédéral dans les métiers spécialisés et l’apprentissage.

Du point de vue de celles et ceux qui sont actuellement dans le système, voici ce qui compte vraiment :
✔️ Une formation de qualité
✔️ Un accès plus rapide aux possibilités
✔️ Un système qui fonctionne dans la réalité, pas seulement sur papier

Ces investissements vont dans la bonne direction, et il reste encore du travail à faire.

Lire la déclaration complète : https://caf-fca.org/fr/media_overview/les-apprentis-prennent-la-parole-une-declaration-du-conseil-canadien-de-lapprentissage-des-jeunes/

There’s still time to submit a session for NAC 2026, taking place in beautiful Whistler, BC.

The National Apprenticeship Conference brings together voices from across the system to share what’s working and what needs to change.

If you have an idea, experience, or perspective to share, we’d love to hear from you.

Deadline: May 5
Submit here: https://caf-fca.org/events/call-for-session-proposals/

Apprenticeship systems are facing real pressure right now.

Across Canada and around the world, employers are looking for skilled talent and apprenticeship systems are being pushed to keep up.

At the Global Apprenticeship Symposium, leaders from Canada, Germany, Australia, New Zealand and more will share what’s working and what needs to change.

CAF-FCA members can attend at no cost.
Non-members can register for $179.

Join the conversation: https://caf-fca.org/caf_fca_events/global-apprenticeship-symposium/

April 28 marks the National Day of Mourning and the World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

A day to remember those who have been injured, become ill, or lost their lives because of their work.

It is also a reminder that safe workplaces matter at every stage, especially for apprentices and those starting out in the trades.

Creating strong safety cultures helps ensure trades professionals can build their careers and return home safely at the end of the day.

Meet the Youth Apprenticeship Council

This month we are introducing Brandon Gaultois, a Welder Apprentice from Newfoundland and Labrador and member of the inaugural Youth Apprenticeship Council.

🎤“I’ve seen how hard it is just to get a foot in the door as an apprentice. That needs to change.”

Based in Corner Brook, Brandon is a third-year apprentice welder with hands-on experience across multiple welding processes and industrial job sites. He is currently working in the field while continuing to build his skills and advance in the trade.

Through his experience, Brandon has seen firsthand how challenging it can be for apprentices to secure consistent opportunities and access training.

Through the Youth Apprenticeship Council, he is committed to sharing real experiences from the field and helping improve access, training pathways, and workplace culture for the next generation of trades professionals.

Got something worth sharing?

The Call for Session Proposals for Future Built 2026 is open and we’re looking for voices from across Canada who are shaping the future of apprenticeship.

Whether you’re leading programs, supporting apprentices, or driving change in the skilled trades, this is your chance to step onto the national stage.

📅 October 4–6, 2026
📍 Whistler, BC

Bring your ideas. Share what works. Help move the system forward.

Submit your proposal here: https://caf-fca.org/events/call-for-session-proposals/

This month we are introducing Ally Mirth, a Horticulture Apprentice from Ontario and member of the inaugural Youth Apprenticeship Council.

🎤“There is still a lack of representation of both young people and women in the trades, and I want to help change that.”

After exploring a different career path during the pandemic, Ally discovered horticulture through a landscaping job and hasn’t looked back. She is now preparing to write her Red Seal and continues to advocate for greater awareness of skilled trades careers.

Ally has competed in Canada - Ontario , represented Team Ontario, and now serves as Technical Co-Chair for Skills Ontario’s new Grade 7/8 Skills Competition.

Through the Youth Apprenticeship Council, she is focused on helping more young people see themselves in the trades and understand the opportunities available to them.

We’re proud to introduce the inaugural members of the Youth Apprenticeship Council.

The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum has brought together 11 young apprenticeship leaders from across the country to help ensure youth perspectives help shape the future of apprenticeship.

These council members represent a range of trades and regions from Yukon to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you to the apprentices who stepped forward to represent their peers and help shape the future of apprenticeship across Canada.

Meet the Council: https://caf-fca.org/research/youth-apprenticeship-council-2/