Skill Building Support

Strategies for Successful Learning

1) Identify skills gaps at the beginning of training and provide ongoing support

2) Accommodate apprentices based on their actual schedules

  • During technical training, check in with your apprentice to see if they’re facing any challenges or need additional support.
  • Offer flexible hours for meetings with your apprentice so they can get the support they need.
  • Provide scheduling accommodations as needed.

3) Encourage apprentices to share any concerns they might have about their learning challenges in an informal setting

  • Building positive relationships with your apprentices can also help them feel more comfortable expressing a need for support or accommodations.
  • If an apprentice discloses significant challenges, contact the Adult Basic Education Association (ABEA) for a free Learning Challenges Assessment to identify specific challenge areas and strategies to support them in the classroom and at work. 

4) Develop individualized learning plans for one-on-one support so each apprentice has a plan based on their specific needs

  • Review the plan regularly to identify challenge areas and ensure the apprentice is on track.
  • Make sure the plans are practical, targeted and manageable.

5) Ensure apprentices have access to online resources, tutoring and practice courses to gain the foundational skills they need

  • Focus on reading, problem solving and math.

6) Connect theoretical learning to real-life situations

  • This will help apprentices make connections to prepare for their certifying exams.
  • Apprentices may have the technical knowledge and practical experience but might need help with making connections or building foundational skills for work.

7) Introduce the Red Seal standards at the beginning of training and refer to them throughout training

  • Apprentices need to be familiar with these standards to be successful in their certifying exams.

8) Review the Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) exam with apprentices

  • Make sure they understand the breakdown of the exam and what topics will be covered so they know what topics to study.
  • Practice, practice, practice!  Give apprentices practice tests to help them overcome test anxiety and prepare for a multiple-choice format.

9) Encourage apprentices to take care of their mental and physical health

  • Provide information and techniques on reducing test anxiety such as mindfulness exercises, self care and sleep hygiene.
  • Contact ConnexOntario. They provide free and confidential information and referrals for people experiencing problems with mental health, substance use or gambling.
  • Connect your apprentice with BounceBack Ontario. BounceBack is a free cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program for adults and youth 15+.
  • Refer your apprentice to the 16 Mental Health Apps guide. This guide includes information about 16 applications recommended by counsellors to support a range of mental health concerns.

10) Offer peer-to-peer sharing

  • People often learn better when in groups of people who share similar goals.
  • Create a Facebook group for apprentices to connect and support one another.
  • Schedule in-person drop-in hours for peer sharing, supervised by a trainer or mentor who can offer support and answer questions.

11) Encourage apprentices to build connections with their co-workers

  • By talking to and engaging with their co-workers, apprentices can increase their sense of belonging which will lead to better retention.
  • When apprentices communicate and collaborate with their peers, these bonds can lead to better problem solving and an increase in productivity.
  • Relationship building can often help apprentices solve problems outside of the workplace as well. For example, if an apprentice has transportation issues, having stronger relationships with co-workers could encourage ride sharing.

12) Connect your apprentice to information about financial incentives

Additional resources to support your apprentices.

Skill Development for Your Apprentice