As the lead sponsor of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum’s national conference June 3 to 5, 2012, Suncor Energy is committed to being part of the conversation on building skilled talent across Canada.
 
“Suncor’s support showcases the importance of apprenticeship to the future of the skilled trades workforce,” says Pat Blackwood, Chair of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum and National Representative at Canadian Auto Workers.  “The involvement of high-profile employers like Suncor brings attention to the importance of collaboration among business, labour, education, government and others.  The national conference is an opportunity to highlight great programs, discuss common challenges and establish joint solutions.”
 
While there are many innovative programs addressing apprenticeship challenges, isolation is an ongoing concern. Sharing resources, research and promising practices ensures community has the opportunity to connect with and learn from one another. With the collective intelligence of the apprenticeship community – across trades, across sectors and across Canada – the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum is able to address complex issues such as apprenticeship completion, employer engagement and career awareness among young people.
 
“The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum’s biennial conference makes an important contribution to the apprenticeship community,” says Dave Santi, director of learning and competency development at Suncor Energy. “Suncor believes that apprenticeship training is essential to developing our skilled trades workforce for our business today and in the future.”

The conference is a biennial event, bringing together apprenticeship stakeholders from across Canada to share best practices, new ideas and innovations.  The 2012 event will focus on Apprenticeship Strategies for Success: Diversity, Innovation and Engagement.

The conference will take place in Regina, Saskatchewan from June 3 to 5.
www.caf-fca.org/conference