Advanced Education and Skills
May 8, 2014
The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills:
Second Annual Conference Helps Women and Youth Explore Skilled Trades Opportunities
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in this Honourable House to talk about the second annual Skilled Trades Conference for Women and Youth held in Stephenville yesterday by the Office to Advance Women Apprentices. I was pleased to be invited to attend and speak at the event.
Over 700 women and youth attended this year’s conference, which encourages participation for women and youth to explore the option of pursuing a career in a skilled trade, and meet a growing demand for skilled trade workers in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Office to Advance Women Apprentices is committed to ensuring more employment opportunities for female apprentices.
Today, there are 527 registered female apprentices in 33 designated trades. Approximately 418 are registered in non-traditional trades with the largest numbers in construction electrician, welder, steamfitter/pipefitter, carpenter and industrial mechanic.
Newfoundland and Labrador is recognized nationally for the support provided to apprentices. The Executive Director of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, Sarah Watts-Rynard told CBC Crosstalk last week that this province is out ahead of the rest of the country when it comes to financial assistance provided through the Apprenticeship Wage Subsidy for employers. She said supporting employers through this program demonstrates a real effort in wanting to help employers hire and train apprentices.
Since 2007, government has committed over $100 million to support initiatives outlined in All the Skills to Succeed: Report of the Newfoundland and Labrador Skills Task Force.
Budget 2014 provides $39.8 million to continue the development of a skilled workforce in Newfoundland and Labrador, including $4.1 million to support apprentices and trades.
Mr. Speaker, this is an unprecedented time of opportunity in Newfoundland and Labrador – especially for women. As women make their mark on construction projects province-wide, employers are being encouraged to open their doors to female tradespeople like never before. With that in mind, the Department of Advanced Education and Skills remains focused on advancing women apprentices at every opportunity so they have access to programming and assistance to further their careers and gain employment here at home.
2014 05 08 1:55 p.m.