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Education May 10, 2007 Government Releases Report of Skills Task Force The report of the Newfoundland and Labrador Skills Task Force, All the Skills to Succeed, was released today by the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education. The report provides an action plan to address gaps in the skilled trades labour force and to meet the needs of current and future large-scale development projects. "Jurisdictions all over Canada and the world are facing an increased demand for skilled labour and we recognized early on the need for steps to be taken to protect the interests of Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Burke. "The task force has worked diligently over the past several months and has provided strategic solutions to build our skilled workforce. This is one of the most comprehensive approaches taken in the country. I am pleased to officially accept their report today and release their recommendations. This document provides valuable insight and actions that will be of interest to many sectors across our province." The Skills Task Force was established by the Williams Government to gather the expertise and insight of people across business, labour, education and other key sectors to provide strategies to build the province�s skilled work force. The task force was chaired by Bob Ridgley, MHA for St. John�s North. "The recommendations presented in the task force report are based on input gathered through the consultations we held across the province as well as research and data on the labour market as it exists today," said MHA Ridgley. "We have put forward 50 actions for labour, business, government and education that will help meet labour market demands now and in the future." The actions identified by the task force are guided by key themes that emerged during consultations. The report provides a strategic direction, an objective and recommended actions in the following areas: The task force has also identified immediate priorities for each sector that will help address existing gaps in the labour force. Minister Burke noted today that Budget 2007 has allocated $9.6 million to address immediate needs in the education and apprenticeship system. "The education of our students is a priority for government and Budget 2007 reflects the proactive approach we are taking to ensure students are prepared to take advantage of emerging opportunities and that, as a province, we are able to meet the emerging needs of industry," said Minister Burke. "As a result of this year�s budget investments, I am pleased to report that we are already taking actions outlined by the Skills Task Force. Post-secondary programming in skilled trades and technology will be expanded at College of the North Atlantic, standardized apprenticeship examinations will be introduced, and steps will be taken to strengthen the participation of under-represented groups such as women and Aboriginal persons just to name a few." Gus Doyle, a member of the task force and President of the Carpenters Union for Newfoundland and Labrador, said the action plan will ensure a labour market that is well positioned for economic growth and development. "Government has taken the lead in this area and I am extremely pleased to see programs and services for apprentices being enhanced. Apprentices are key to ensuring the province can deliver on large-scale development projects." Bob Marshall, superintendent of Training for Voisey's Bay Nickel Company Limited said, "I fully endorse the work of the task force and I believe the action plan provides the right mix of programs and services to ensure that all partners in the development of the province are actively building our capacity to provide qualified workers." Minister Burke said the report of the Newfoundland and Labrador Skills Task Force will be a working document. "The task force has put forward recommendations that are practical and come from the stakeholders themselves. It is critically important that we do not lose momentum and that all sectors � business, industry, labour, government and education � continue to work together," said Minister Burke. The report can also be obtained by e-mailing education@gov.nl.ca.- 30 - Media contact: Backgrounder Investments in Budget 2007 that support the action plan of the Newfoundland and Labrador Skills Task Force � All the Skills to Succeed: Career Information Resource Centres/New Career Information Officers An investment of $1,479,600 will be used to establish five new career information resource centres and to hire 10 career information officers. Of that investment, $979,600 will be used for centres in rural areas to provide career, work and labour market information and to support individuals and employers. The remaining $500,000 will be allocated for career information officers who will work with teachers, guidance counselors and students in the K-12 system to identify career information and provide career education supports. Employment and Business Development Projects Over $1.1 million is allocated to implement new employment and business development programs. This will build employment in rural areas and help marginalized workers participate in the labour market. Graduate Retention Program Over $1 million is allocated to expand the Graduate Retention Program to accommodate an additional 100 graduates. This will improve the ability of new graduates to gain employment and further help to address skills shortages. Post-secondary Programming Post-secondary programming is being expanded through an investment of over $3.5 million in skilled trades and technology at College of the North Atlantic. This will result in an additional 310 seats across the 17 college campuses in programs such as electrical construction, heavy equipment operator, residential electrician, construction/industrial electrician and ironworker. Apprenticeship System The Apprenticeship System will be modernized and strengthened through an investment of $567,000. This includes the introduction of standardized exams, the establishment of a standards unit, a new system of program accreditation, the development of study guides and examination materials, and support for trade qualifiers. An additional $600,000 will increase the number of apprentices hired annually within the public sector. Participation and Promotion for Under-represented Groups Almost $500,000 will be allocated to expand the number of female apprentices; to support the increased participation of Aboriginal peoples in the skilled trades; and, to introduce a youth apprenticeship program in the K-12 system. There is also $80,000 allocated for a Gender Employment Equity Study to improve female recruitment in the forestry sector. Power Engineering Program New training standards for power engineering will be developed through an investment of $240,000. This funding will also provide resources to the public college system for examinations for power engineering students. Industrial Coordinating Committee An investment of $100,000 will help establish a committee to identify specific skill sets required by industry. Scholarships New funding is being allocated for scholarships to support the skilled trades. $75,000 will be directed toward 25 scholarships of $1,000 each to encourage young people in the Youth Apprenticeship Program to pursue post-secondary education. In addition, 25 scholarships of $2,000 each for a Post-secondary Transition Awards Program for recent graduates of Adult Basic Education moving into full-time post-secondary studies. 2007 05 10 9:35 a.m.
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