Sunday, November 23, 2025

Forge Your Future!

CLAC’s program helps support apprentices on the path to success

By Michael Kamminga, CLAC Jobs Coordinator

We all know how much time, effort, and dedication it takes for an apprentice to reach their next level of training or challenge the certificate of qualification (C of Q) exam. Sometimes, even capable and hardworking apprentices find that final stretch to be the hardest part.

Rewriting an exam multiple times can come with added stress, time off work, travel costs, and fees—things that can easily set someone back both personally and professionally. Sometimes, the pressure can be too much, and apprentices deliberately put off trying to rewrite the exam and become a journeyperson.

Unfortunately, we’re seeing many cases of apprentices quitting the trades altogether and abandoning their apprenticeship. That’s why CLAC’s Forge Your Future program exists—to help apprentices succeed in their training and passing their exams.

According to Skilled Trades Ontario’s 2023‑2024 Annual Report, the average first‑attempt pass rate across all trades is only 44.5 percent. Unfortunately, this average pass rate tends to be lower for many of the construction trades. That means many apprentices, while skilled and reliable, may need a little extra support to reach the finish line.

CLAC’s Forge Your Future program offers members free support to help with their in-school training and passing their exam. From custom study plans to one‑on‑one tutoring, the program aims to provide apprentices with the right resources—at their convenience, at no cost.

While the program is still fairly new, we have already had early success stories! Apprentices who’ve taken part in the program have shared encouraging feedback about how it helped them succeed.

How has your time with Construction Foundation helped you prepare for taking your Red Seal exam?

“It gave me peace of mind knowing support is available if I do need it.”

“We focused a lot on how to take the exam and how to properly prepare for the exam, which was very helpful for me.”

“The resources that I have now with this program make me feel more confident when I begin to prepare for my exam.”

“In general, they helped me reinforce the current efforts I was making on my own and prepare for the actual exam day.”

What’s one thing you would have done differently?

“The thing that I would have done differently was start the Forge Your Future program earlier and start studying earlier. I didn’t get the full experience from the program because I took the exam so quickly after joining it. But I did learn about mentally preparing yourself for the exam and techniques that you can use to break the exam down to make it easier for yourself. I wish I had applied for it earlier because it was very helpful to me despite how briefly I was part of the program.”

“I realized I need to doubt myself less and stress less. If you fail, you just rewrite it. It’s not the end of the world.”

How likely would you recommend this program?

“I would definitely recommend this program. I get regular check-ins on my progress and what help I need.”

“I would definitely recommend the program to others but be sure to sign up early and give yourself lots of time to prepare for the exam. I would recommend others join two to three months before their exam date.”

“I would very much recommend it for anyone struggling to greatly increase their likelihood of success.”

“Even if you don’t need constant guidance and tutoring, it’s great to know the help is there. I would recommend it.”

To learn more about how apprentices can enroll in the Forge Your Future program, reach out to your CLAC representative or visit clac.ca/forgeyourfuture.

Forge Your Future!

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