Education
December 6, 2006

The Department of Education and the Provincial Apprenticeship and Certification Board are pleased to sponsor a one-day conference for provincial apprenticeship advisory committees entitled Apprenticeship: Building On Our Foundations.

Journeypersons and industry workers will join with post-secondary institutions and government representatives to discuss issues related to program delivery, the promotion of apprentices, streamlining apprenticeship programs, and strengthening mentorship opportunities.

"We hope this day will produce some ideas and solutions that can strengthen our apprenticeship system," said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education. With the challenges that we face, including the shortage of skilled trades workers, it is important that we work with business and industry partners to identify practical and effective solutions. This is exactly what we are doing and we are determined to keep the momentum going."

The minister pointed out that this is the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening skilled trades and apprenticeship at both the K-12 and post-secondary level. This includes $4 million for the new Futures in Skilled Trades and Technology Program in high school, $1.5 million for new programs at College of the North Atlantic (CNA), $1 million for an apprenticeship shop modernization program at the college, and significant investments to promote women in skilled trades at all levels. Additionally, a new apprenticeship and certification board was appointed in April of this year. All members of the board have extensive knowledge, interest and experience in apprenticeship programs.

"I am also looking forward to the report from the Skills Task Force which was announced in March. The task force was established to identify and develop strategies to ensure responsive training, education and supports to meet industry demands. Some areas for consideration include post-secondary programs, the apprenticeship system, and partnership opportunities, including research and development. And I am looking for real solutions from that report," said the minister.

"We value the people on the front lines of this issue and are pleased they have agreed to come together at this conference to provide their expertise and knowledge to the apprenticeship board and government representatives."

Funding for the conference is being provided through the federal/provincial Labour Market Development Agreement.

Minister Burke will address the conference at the Delta Hotel and Conference Centre at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, December 7. Media representatives are invited to attend.

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Media contact:
Jacquelyn Howard
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca