With 13 apprentice systems in Canada, it is encouraging to see Western Premiers take steps to address the cross jurisdictional challenges apprentice’s face. Allowing skilled trades apprentices to move across provinces without having to retrain is advantageous not only for the apprentice but also for employers who operate in multiple jurisdictions.
This move is also a step in the right direction when it comes to dealing with a looming skilled labour shortage. With the expected resource boom in B.C., there will be more jobs and not enough skilled workers to fill them. British Columbians should be first in line for those jobs, but when we need more workers; our industry is going to look to our neighbours in Alberta and Saskatchewan next. Alberta and Saskatchewan will do the same.
This decision removes barriers and makes it easier for western provinces to share resources.
