Education
November 9, 2007Scholarships
Open to Skilled Trades Students
Students enrolled in apprenticeship programs can now
apply for the Alberta Centennial Scholarship. The Honourable Joan Burke,
Minister of Education, said today that these scholarships will be used
to further support skilled trades students.
"As our government works to expand the economy of
Newfoundland and Labrador, we are looking forward to exciting new
development projects and the opportunity for increased activity in our
labour market," said Minister Burke. "These scholarships will help
students who see the excellent opportunities in skilled trades careers."
The Alberta Centennial Scholarships, an initiative of
the Government of Alberta to celebrate its pride in Canada, provides 25
scholarships, each valued at $2,005, to every province and territory in
Canada. Given that the demand for skilled trades workers is on the rise
in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Government decided that
these funds will be used to support students in apprenticeship programs.
The majority of the scholarships (66 per cent) will be provided to
female students.
"Despite a growing demand for skilled trades workers,
women account for only three per cent of students in non-traditional
skilled trades programming," said Minister Burke. "Women are simply not
participating in skilled trades to the degree we would like. Working to
create opportunities for women in this area will improve the overall
status of women in our province. This initiative also supports the work
of the Poverty Reduction Strategy and the Skills Task Force as we
continue with a strategic approach to address skills shortages and
advance women�s equality."
To be eligible for the 2007 awards,
applicants must:
Be a Canadian citizen;
Have received a high school diploma
or equivalent;
Be a permanent resident of the
Province of Newfoundland and Labrador;
Demonstrate financial need in the
pursuit of post-secondary education; and,
Be enrolled in full-time studies at
a recognized post-secondary institution in the first year of an
apprenticeship program.
There are currently 3,800 registered apprentices
active in Newfoundland and Labrador. However, there is an increasing
demand for skilled tradespeople due to developments in the province�s
energy, mining and industrial sectors. A $9.6 million allocation in
Budget 2007 for the apprenticeship system and employment services is
designed to improve apprenticeship and skilled trades programming,
making the system more responsive to both the needs of students and
industry.
Applications must be received no later that November
19. Additional information and forms are available on the Department of
Education website at
//www.gov.nl.ca/edu
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Media contact:
Jacquelyn Howard
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca
2007 11 09
9:30 a.m.
