First Nation School-to-Work Transitions into the Skilled Trades Report​

The Southern First Nations Secretariat (SFNS) partnered with the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum – Forum canadien sur l’apprentissage (CAF-FCA) on a research project exploring First Nation members’ school-to-work transitions into the skilled trades in Southern Ontario.

This report highlights the barriers, supports, and experiences of First Nation apprentices and tradespeople as they move from education and training into employment. Insights gathered through interviews, surveys, and focus groups with First Nation participants across Southern Ontario help identify ways that First Nations, colleges, unions, and other partners can strengthen pathways into apprenticeships and skilled trades careers.

SFNS began collaborating with CAF-FCA on this initiative in April 2025. The project builds on previous work to support greater access to and retention of Indigenous Peoples in the skilled trades.

​SFNS extends sincere thanks to the project committee members and the many First Nation community members who shared their time and experiences to support this research.

Read the full report by clicking the button below: