ore men and women than ever before are registering in apprenticeship training programs, according to Statistics Canada. New registrations in apprenticeship programs across Canada reached a record 217,560 in 2001, (the latest year for which data is available), the sixth consecutive annual increase. Women are recording the largest percentage increase in registration. From 1995 to 2001, the number of registered women soared by 76 percent, more than twice the rate of growth of 29 percent among men. While women apprentices are still most numerous in hairdresser, aesthetician, early childhood educator and cook occupations, they are also making inroads in fields normally dominated by men. For example, in 2001, registration among women more than doubled in apprenticeship programs for metal fabricating trades during this period. They also experienced double-digit increases in programs for electrical and electronics trades and for motor vehicle and heavy equipment trades.

This growth may help alleviate a predicted shortage of skilled workers. Over 50 percent of skilled tradespeople are expected to retire within the next 15 years, and 40 per cent of trades organizations say they will face a labour shortage in their industry within the next five years.