Canada’s skilled trades labour force is running “dangerously low” and the polytechnic model for apprenticeship is the solution, according to Saskatchewan Polytechnic President Dr Larry Rosia. Rosia points to countries like the UK and the US that are modernizing their apprenticeship systems and explains that Canada needs to turn to the polytechnic model to remain competitive. Rosia says that apprenticeships require four things: consistent, accredited technical training; broad-based learning; alignment with industry; and a strong work-integrated learning model. Polytechnics, Rosia says, are the only institutions to offer all four. Rosia concludes that Canada does not need to reinvent apprenticeship training but should rather invest in polytechnics “that already deliver it best.”
