In this episode, we explore how apprenticeship systems can support youth with disabilities, neurodivergent learners, and youth navigating mental health challenges. Topics include access, mentorship, flexible learning, workplace culture, mental health, and systems change—and how inclusive approaches can help youth enter apprenticeships, thrive, and build careers.

In This Episode:

• Early exposure to apprenticeship
• Barriers to access and participation
• Supporting diverse learning needs
• Inclusive workplaces
• Mental health and stigma
• Practical changes for the skilled trades

Transcript:
https://vraie-idea.ca/resources/podcasts/building-inclusive-apprenticeship-pathways

Timestamps:
00:00 — Welcome
00:39 — The promise and challenge of equitable apprenticeship
02:42 — Meet the panel
06:09 — Opportunities and barriers
07:42 — Early exposure, access, and youth confidence
09:55 — Why a coordinated strategy matters
12:38 — Instructors, supervisors, and mentors
17:40 — Turning good intentions into practical change
19:20 — Supporting learners without singling them out
21:43 — Learning environments that work for everyone
28:53 — Standards for equitable apprenticeship
34:47 — Mental health, retention, and recovery-friendly workplaces
37:51 — Building healthier workplace culture
43:20 — Practical changes for the next five years
50:48 — Closing reflections

Connect with Our Experts:
Valerie Vanderwyk — Indigenous Skills, Employment, Apprenticeship, and Development (ISEAD)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/val-vanderwyk-9671a4264/
Carmine Tiano — Provincial Building & Construction Trades Council of Ontario
https://www.ontariobuildingtrades.com/staff/carmine-tiano
Joshua Ivany — Skills Canada NL
https://skillscanadanl.ca/our-staff/joshua-ivany/
Stuart Simpson — SMART Local 47
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-simpson-75b58845/

Host: Bridgette Sterling
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridgettesterling/

Resources:
ISEAD — https://www.isead.ca/
Provincial Building & Construction Trades Council — https://www.ontariobuildingtrades.com/
Skills Canada NL YASP — https://skillscanadanl.ca/yasp/home/
SMART Local 47 — https://smwia47ottawa.org/
IDEA|4DY — https://www.vraie-idea.ca/about-us/diverse-youth-4dy

In the second episode of our series, we explore neuroinclusion, workplace accessibility, retention, and the systems that make inclusion sustainable. Drawing on IDEA’s Nine Domains Framework for Disability Inclusion, we examine why hiring a neurodivergent candidate is only the beginning. Sustainable inclusion requires organizations to look beyond recruitment and consider the policies, environments, technologies, leadership practices, and behaviours that shape the employee experience.

Transcript
Read the full episode transcript: https://vraie-idea.ca/resources/podcasts/workplace-systems-and-continual-improvement-idea-9-domains-framework-disability

Connect with our experts:

Tammy Morris: Accessibility & Neuroinclusion Leader, EY Canada https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-morris13/

Dilshan Fernando: Accessibility & Equity Officer, University of Guelph; Research Associate, IDEA 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dilshanfrnando/

Andrew Dixon: Senior Research Officer, IDEA-4DY https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-dixon-853103205/

Connect with our host:

Bridgette Sterling

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridgettesterling/

Resources & Links:

EY Canada

https://www.ey.com/en_ca

IDEA | 4DY

https://www.vraie-idea.ca/about-us/diverse-youth-4dy

In this inaugural episode of the IDEA | 4DY Podcast, we explore how workplaces can move beyond individual accommodations toward systemic approaches that support neurodivergent youth, youth with intellectual disabilities, and youth navigating mental health challenges. Our panel discusses how organizations can reduce barriers, build inclusive cultures, and design workplaces that enable diverse talent to thrive.

Transcript
Read the full episode transcript: https://vraie-idea.ca/resources/podcasts/rethinking-workplace-design-access-system-transformation

In This Episode

• Why inclusive design is a business strategy, not just an accommodation practice
• How barriers in education, recruitment, and workplace culture limit opportunities for diverse talent
• Practical actions organizations can take to advance inclusion, starting with small changes
• The role of employer capacity building and cross-sector partnerships in driving change
• Strategies for creating sustainable, system-wide inclusion through policy, mentorship, and workplace design

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to workplace barriers in construction and manufacturing
02:39 Employer capacity building and inclusion initiatives
05:02 The IDEA | 4DY project and its goals
06:40 From individual pathways to systemic change
08:22 Neuroinclusivity and employee retention
10:28 Disclosure, masking, and burnout
12:49 Communication and career development
14:42 Accommodations and hiring barriers
17:20 Ecosystem approaches to recruitment and onboarding
18:57 Embedding inclusive design into workplace culture
22:07 Identifying and removing workplace barriers
26:36 Practical strategies for employers
31:46 Training, testing, and learning styles
36:28 Addressing misconceptions about costs and liability
38:05 IDEA | 4DY resources for employers
39:13 Inclusion by design
40:00 Next steps and continuous improvement

Connect with Our Experts

Anne Kresta, President & Executive Director, Level IT Up
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-kresta-she-her-0b711617/

Emile Tompa, Executive Director, IDEA; Senior Scientist, Institute for Work & Health
https://vraie-idea.ca/profiles/emile-tompa?language

Rafael Gomez, Director, Centre for Industrial Relations & Human Resources, University of Toronto
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-gomez-70591417/

Connect with Our Host

Bridgette Sterling
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridgettesterling/

Resources & Links

IDEA | 4DY
https://www.vraie-idea.ca/about-us/diverse-youth-4dy

Level IT Up
https://levelitupmb.ca/

Centre for Industrial Relations & Human Resources, University of Toronto
https://www.cirhr.utoronto.ca/