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OTTAWA — The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF) recently announced it has established the Canadian Apprenticeship Foundation, a new charitable organization dedicated to building a more inclusive and sustainable skilled trades future.

Through the foundation, CAF will expand its capacity to invest in initiatives that remove barriers, champion diversity and strengthen leadership.

“The skilled trades are essential to Canada’s economic growth, but inclusion and opportunity remain uneven,” said France Daviault, CEO of CAF, in a statement. “The Canadian Apprenticeship Foundation will help us invest directly in people, supporting the next generation of trades professionals, mentors and leaders who will shape the future of our workforce.”

Wit the tagline “Investing in Leadership. Building an Inclusive Skilled Trades Future,” the foundation will be a national hub for partnerships, philanthropy and innovation, the release reads. Its initial focus will be on developing mentorship, leadership and equity-priority programs that create change in the apprenticeship system.

“This is about ensuring everyone, regardless of gender, background or community has the opportunity to thrive in the skilled trades,” added Shaudia Ricketts, chair of the Canadian Apprenticeship Foundation. “By connecting donors and industry partners to meaningful programs, we can build the foundations of an equitable skilled trades future together.”

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