If you are an apprentice or trade qualifier and have access to the internet, you may be eligible to participate in the Virtual Learning Strategy (VLS) program. This program provides personalized support to help you succeed in technical training and exams.

How Does VLS Work?

You will meet with a learning strategist via an online meeting platform. You will need a device (other than your phone) and a good internet connection. The learning strategist will work with you to:

• Help determine if you have a learning disability or if other individual factors affect your performance, such as exam anxiety, study skills, motivational factors, and sensory disabilities (i.e. hearing or vision loss); and
• Create a targeted action plan (based on the results of the assessments) to help you reach your goals. This action plan could include:
  • Strengthening your math and reading skills;
  • Practicing study, memory, and test-taking strategies;
  • Managing test anxiety; and
  • Identifying if you need accommodations in place during your exams.

Some of the support services in your action plan may be provided directly by the learning strategist, or you may be referred for formal assessments, trade-specific tutoring and other academic supports.

Why VLS?

• 100% virtual – flexible scheduling, available anywhere in Canada
• Tailored to you – supports and services offered depend on your individual goals and needs
• No cost – completely free for apprentices and trade qualifier

To participate, you must commit to regular meetings with the learning strategist and may also be required to participate in other interventions as part of your apprenticeship or certification path.

Eligibility Criteria

Apprentices: Must be actively working with an active Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Letter of Understanding (LOU) (updated hours) AND must have attended school or completed an exam within the past two years (or be scheduled to attend training within the next three months).

Trade Qualifiers: Must have attended training within the past two years AND work in a trade for which there is tutoring available through VLS (check with an Apprenticeship Program Officer to verify if your trade is included).

All Candidates: Must be dedicated to investing the needed time and effort into your studies AND must have access to study materials*

*If you do not have access to study materials, there are a limited number of trades for which materials are available through VLS (Automotive Service Technician, Carpenter, Electrician, Heavy Duty Equipment Technician, Industrial Mechanic (Millwright), Plumber, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic, Truck and Transport Mechanic and Welder).

How to Apply?

Contact your Apprenticeship Program Officer to discuss participating in the VLS program and ask for a referral.

Want to Learn More?

The VLS Model was created by the Government of New Brunswick in 2012 and expanded nationally in 2019 (through federal funding for virtual offering via VLS Canada). Newfoundland and Labrador joined the pilot program in 2022 (with 50 spaces) and now offers 75 spaces on a continuous intake basis, with potential to expand the number of spaces even more if demand requires.

For more information on VLS Canada, click here VLS – SAV Canada