A new report prepared for Statistics Canada suggests that more work needs to be done to identify reasons why apprentices fail to complete their programs.

The study, Factors associated with the completion of apprenticeship training in Canada, looked at apprenticeship registration and completion data from across the country between 2008 and 2016. It found that the number of apprentice registrations increased over the same period, but that figure outpaced the number of certificates issued.

Indeed, among those who registered in apprenticeship training since 2008, fewer than one in five (16 percent) completed their programs on time. A further 64 percent were still in their programs and 20 percent had left their programs. Even after including those who took up to twice as long as the expected program duration to complete their training, the proportion of apprentices who obtained their certificate was just 36 percent.

The report went on to look at those factors that affect apprentices’ certification rates. It found a number of links between employment opportunities and completion rates.

For example, those apprentices that earned credits for training completed prior to registration or for previous work-related experience were more likely (44 percent) to complete their programs than those who did not (31 percent).

The report also found a strong link between wages and working conditions, and completion rates. Apprentices who had higher-paying apprenticeship positions were more likely to complete their programs than those in lower-paying positions. Those who earned from $45,000 to $59,999 in the registration year (46 percent) were 11 percentage points more likely to receive their certificate than those who earned from $15,000 to $29,999 (35 percent).

The type of work experience acquired during training also made a difference. Apprentices who were working in fields closely related to their trade (38 percent) were more likely to earn their certificates than those who were not (32 percent).

Finally, apprentices who received their certificates earned the highest wages throughout their training progression. Their income also rose at a faster pace than long-term continuers (those who were still registered to their program at one and a half times their program duration) and apprentices who left their programs.

For example, at the end of the normal program duration, the median annual income of apprentices who received their certificate was $51,920, compared with $33,350 for long-term continuers and $32,710 for those who left their program.

The report’s findings come at a time when the need for skilled workers in Canada is stark. With an aging workforce, there are growing concerns about the potential lack of skilled tradespersons in the coming years. These workers are aging at a faster pace than the rest of the workforce.

The COVID-19 pandemic has not helped completion rates. Many apprentices have been temporarily laid off due to the economic difficulties encountered by their employers and public health related shut downs. In addition, those who still have the opportunity to continue their training might have difficulty completing it because of reduced hours and the cancellation of the classroom portions of their training.