Apprenticeship Forum Gives Employers Practical Strategies to Retain and Develop Skilled Trades Talent

Merit Ontario’s event focuses on workforce retention, mentorship and practical employer solutions

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept. 30, 2026 /CNW/ — As construction employers across Ontario face growing skilled labour shortages, workforce retirements and increased competition for talent, Merit Ontario is bringing industry leaders together to explore practical solutions at the 2026 Apprenticeship Forum for Employers on November 18 in Mississauga.

“Hiring an apprentice is only the beginning. We listened to what employers told us at last year’s Apprenticeship Forum and used that feedback to help shape this year’s event,” said Glenda Rahn, Director of Workforce Development at Merit Ontario.

“Employers told us where they are seeing challenges and what they need more support with, so we’ve built the forum around those conversations. The goal is to give employers practical information, ideas and resources they can take back to their workplaces to better support their apprentices, strengthen retention and help more apprentices reach certification.”

Today’s employers need effective strategies to support, develop and retain skilled trades talent through certification and into long-term careers. That’s why this half-day forum brings together employers, industry leaders, workforce development professionals and apprenticeship experts to discuss apprentice development, retention, mentorship and long-term workforce planning.

Attendees will gain practical insights into supporting apprentices from registration through certification, improving completion outcomes, strengthening mentorship and identifying barriers that can affect apprentice success.

Designed specifically for employers, the forum will explore Ontario’s apprenticeship landscape, global workforce practices, mentorship, emerging training technology and new approaches to identifying and addressing apprentice learning needs. The focus is on practical ideas employers can take back to their workplaces to better support their apprentices, strengthen retention and build a sustainable skilled trades workforce.

About Merit Ontario

Merit Ontario is an open-shop construction association that supports employers and their apprentices, and job seekers across Ontario. Through apprenticeship sponsorship, employer engagement, workforce development initiatives, and industry partnerships, Merit Ontario helps connect talent with opportunity while strengthening Ontario’s skilled trades workforce. Merit Ontario works with employers, training providers, government, and community partners to increase awareness and access to rewarding careers in the skilled trades and support long-term workforce success.

Apprenticeship Support Contact:

Glenda Rahn, Director of Workforce Development

Cell: 519-504-3425

Office: 416-483-3856

Toll-free: 1-888-303-9878

Website: www.meritontario.com

Email: [email protected]

Address: 2110 Matheson Blvd E Suite 200, Mississauga, ON L4W 5E1

SOURCE Merit Ontario