Section 2
Factors influencing interest and registration in apprenticeship trades

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Reasons to register in the trade
Prior work done in the trade before registration

The decision to pursue a specific trade may be influenced by one's interest in the trade which can be sparked by a variety of factors. To obtain a better understanding of what sparks interest in trades, the NAS collected information on the main factors that influenced apprentices' interest in their trades. As summarized in Chart 2.1 (see Appendix 1 Table A.1.2.1), the main factors which influenced interest in the trade were similar across apprentice groups in Quebec.

Contact with people exposed to the trade was the most common factor. More than half of each apprenticeship group (between 53% and 57%) reported that family members or friends in the trade, teachers or counsellors, employers, co-workers, union representatives, or other tradespeople influenced their interest in a trade.

The next two most frequently cited factors were knowledge of the trade from prior job or work experience, reported by between 26% and 29% of each apprentice group, followed by a hobby related to the trade, reported by 15% to 16% of each apprentice group.

Between 6% and 8% of each apprentice group became interested in a trade through their high school or post-secondary studies, while an additional 2% became interested through their high school work experience or co-op programs. Advertising, media campaigns print and on-line information, and job postings were not strong factors in influenced interest, being reported by only 3% to 4% of each group.

Reasons to register in the trade

The NAS also collected information on the factors that influenced registration in a trade. The main factors were similar across apprentice groups in Quebec as shown in Chart 2.2 (see Appendix 1 Table A.1.2.2).

The three most commonly cited factors influencing registration were interest in or enjoyment of the trade, good salary expectations, and job stability or security. More than half of the completers (58%) and long-term continuers (51%) reported that their registration was influenced by interest in their trade or line of work or because they liked the work or working conditions. Only 45% of discontinuers cited these reasons. A further 20% to 29% of each apprentice group were influenced by the expectation of good pay, better wages, or a pay increase. Between 17% and 18% of each group registered because they expected steady work or saw career opportunities because of strong demand for that trade.

Between 7% and 9% of apprentices in each group registered because they had prior knowledge, experience, or qualifications in the trade. Another 6% to 9% of apprentices in each group registered because they were required to do so by law, their employer or union, or their apprenticeship office.

A further 6% to 11% of respondents in each group said they registered because they need a job or trade or because they received a job offer. Between 4% and 9% of respondents registered because of a recommendation from someone at school or on a job.

Union benefits and the hope of owning a business were the two least cited reasons for registration.

Prior work done in the trade before registration

The NAS collected information on whether apprentices had trade-related work experience or technical training prior to registering for an apprentice program. As shown in Appendix 1 Table A.1.2.3, less than half of each apprentice group in Quebec had work experience in the trade prior to registration. This proportion was slightly higher for long-term continuers (46%) and lower for discontinuers (42%) and completers (41%).

Sixty-three percent of completers in Quebec had prior technical training in the trade. This proportion was lower for discontinuers (44%) and long-term continuers (43%).