Professional Development Programs

Canadian Apprenticeship Forum

CAF-FCA’S SUITE OF

Professional Development Programs

Three programs dedicated to enhancing the leadership and mentorship skills of journeypersons, women and gender-diverse individuals in the skilled trades.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
MENTOR DEVELOPMENT
SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS APPRENTICES

Skills and Relationships

Along with learning new skills and practical tips from subject matter experts, participants will receive coaching and mentorship from experienced tradespeople. Additionally, participants will learn alongside a community of their peers and will have many opportunities to develop lasting relationships with other women and gender-diverse individuals in the trades.

These programs invite participants from all over Canada to come together online for approximately four months and about six hours a week. Individuals are welcome to take all of these complimentary courses, although they cannot be taken simultaneously.

Leadership Development Program

The National Leadership Development Program was designed by skilled trades experts to help participants develop as leaders in the workplace.

Applications for the February 2026 cohort are now open.

INFORMATION
REGISTRATION

Mentor Development Program

The National Mentor Development Program was created to empower women and gender-diverse individuals within the trades by equipping them with valuable mentorship skills.

Applications for the February 2026 cohort are now open.

INFORMATION
REGISTRATION

Journeypersons Supporting Indigenous Apprentices

This program equips journeyperson mentors with the knowledge and skills to support Indigenous apprentices in the skilled trades.

Applications for the February 2026 cohort are now open.

INFORMATION
REGISTRATION

Interested in being a Coach?

The National Mentor Development Program is also looking for 5 coaches per cohort to provide guidance and mentorship to the participants of the program. This is a paid position and is open to women and gender diverse individuals in the trades who are qualified journeypersons and have been in their trade for several years. The ideal candidates will have previous experience as a mentor in the trades either in a formal or informal capacity.

COACH APPLICATION