Enrolments Double in Construction-related Training Programs, 1997 to 2005
According to a recent Statistics Canada report, growing construction employment has been a major contributor to the rise in total enrolment in apprenticeship training programs between 1997 and 2005. Over this period, enrolment in construction-related training programs almost doubled, going from 61,160 in 1997 to 118,140 in 2005. Building and construction trades and electrical, electronics and related trades account for 40% of the total enrolment in apprenticeships.

From a regional perspective, from 1997 to 2005, the most recent year for which data is available, the enrolment increases in construction-related training programs occurred as follows: Quebec (+134%); Newfoundland (+128%); Alberta (+107%); Manitoba (+80%); Prince Edward Island (+78%); British Columbia (+75%); Ontario (+59%); Nova Scotia (+59%); Saskatchewan (+52%); and New Brunswick (+17%). For the absolute numbers, see the accompanying graph.

It is worth noting that, while the percentage of female registrants in construction-related apprentice training programs has increased significantly (+135%) over the period 1997 to 2005, the absolute number of women involved (3,240 or 5.7% of the total) is not large.

Registrants are Dropping Out Early to Earn More from Strong Labour Demand
Despite the relatively strong growth of registrations in construction-related apprenticeship programs over the period 1997 to 2005, the percentage of individuals who actually complete their training to obtain certification has dropped from 7.3% to 5.7%.

One possible explanation for this decline in the apprenticeship completion rate is strong growth in demand for construction labour and an accompanying increase in hourly earnings over the period. Individuals, particularly males, are interrupting their training to start working earlier without foregoing income, which can happen as a result some training programs (e.g., classroom time spent away from a job site).

Looking forward, a gradual slowing in both residential and non-residential construction will probably cause some moderation in the growth of registrations in construction-related apprenticeship training programs, a trend that has already been observed by Rolf Priesnetz, Director of the Apprenticeship Program at George Brown College.

However, over the longer term, the effect of this cyclical trend is likely to be partly offset by a growing shortfall of skilled construction tradespeople, due to a steady rise in the number of retiring baby boomers. The need for more training at a high skill is readily apparent.

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