The Apprenticeship Review and Action Plan sets out a multi-year approach to strengthen how skilled trades workers are trained and certified for rewarding careers. It introduces key initiatives focused on improving progression and outcomes for apprentices and trade qualifiers, increasing employer engagement, streamlining program administration and modernizing technical training delivery, ensuring the apprenticeship journey is responsive to industry needs. These efforts help address the growing demand for skilled workers as retirements accelerate and emerging technologies transform the trades landscape.

The action plan was informed by extensive engagement with stakeholders including apprentices and employers, the Apprenticeship and Certification Board, unions, sector committees, non-profit organizations, pre-employment and technical training providers, economic development partners, Indigenous governments and organizations, and Apprenticeship Manitoba staff.

Actions in the plan are organized across three pillars:

• Strengthening and growing Manitoba’s skilled labour market to increase access to trades across the province and encourage participation from underrepresented groups.
• Securing pathways to completion to make it easier for apprentices to finish their training through better supports, streamlined processes and employer engagement.
• Modernizing the apprenticeship system by updating tools, technology and partnerships so the system is more flexible, responsive and aligned with industry needs.