I am also pleased to report that five of these tradespersons are in the process of being hired, two of whom will shortly begin work with Newfoundland and Labrador Housing. I�m sure my honourable colleagues will agree that the office is achieving positive results in a very short period of time.

Government identified the need to take concrete steps to build our province�s skilled labour market early in our mandate. We established the Skills Task Force which made many recommendations for business, industry, labour and government to ensure apprentices reach journeyperson certification.

Since 2006, government has invested more than $50 million in the areas of apprenticeship, science and technology, programming, training and infrastructure.

As a result of this investment, we now have a new high school skilled trades program, we have doubled the number of seats in skilled trades programs at College of the North Atlantic, and have supported a shop modernization program so students are using top-of-the-line equipment. Apprentices can now receive credit for on-the-job training they do in Alberta, and the journeyperson/apprenticeship ratio has been increased.

The Office to Advance Women Apprentices is another important initiative that will help ensure our province has the women and men ready to meet the needs of industry and labour, and take full advantage of the opportunities on our horizon. I encourage all female tradespersons to contact the office at 757-5435, and have their name added to the database.