Toronto – October 18, 2019 - Pursuing a career in the certified trades continues to be top of mind among many post-secondary students who know the value that practical skills can bring to the workplace.

• Across Canada more than 400,000 students are enrolled in apprenticeship programs, many eager to secure a good job in growing sectors like the food industry.
   
• The top four provinces to enroll students in apprenticeship programs are: Quebec (119,000), Ontario (111,000), Alberta (74,000) and BC (52,000).
   
• As of 2017, nearly 20,000 apprentices were registered in the food service sector with steady enrollment since 2013.
   
• With the legalization of cannabis, horticultural technology and specializations continue to grow with nearly 5,000 apprentices already enrolled.

Coupling digital skills with apprenticeship training serves to prepare members for the jobs of the future. Canadians continue to lag their OECD counterparts in digital-problem solving skills which is a set-back if you’re looking to a secure a job in today’s tech driven labour market.        
UFCW Canada understands the importance of equipping members with the skills they need to advance in these in-demand sectors. A career in the skilled trades offers not only meaningful employment but continues to be a great option to upgrade your opportunities. This is why digital skills are important components when developing the apprenticeship programs of the future.

We want to know more about your interest in building digital skills alongside certified trades and ask that you take five minutes to fill out our apprenticeship survey for a chance to win a $100 gift card for use at your favourite UFCW grocery store! Take the survey here.

Source: Statistics Canada