Building a Case for Skills Training

A business case can be made for employers supporting investment in essential skills training for the skilled trades, according to a report by the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum— Forum canadien sur l’apprentissage (CAF-FCA).

The first study of its kind in Canada, CAF-FCA conducted a national survey with skilled-trades employers to investigate participation in essential skills training and the corresponding ROI. Respondents represented a variety of regions, business sizes, and trades.

“Training associated with adapting to new work processes, problemsolving, and digital skills was identified by employers as vital for enhancing productivity in the skilled-trades workplace,” said Sarah Watts-Rynard, executive director of the CAF-FCA. “This study shows a correlation between training and productivity based on the practical measures used by employers.”

Employers spoke about the impact of training on increased bill-out and work rates, customer retention, new process innovation, and facilitation of other training.

Findings showed that 45 percent of employers provided essential skills training to their tradespeople.

The employers surveyed invested a median of $1,125 per learner and realized a total return benefit of $4,071, supporting the business case for essential skills training. For every dollar invested, employers observed a return of $3.08.

www.caf-fca.org