NLIS 2
September 18, 2001 
(Human Resources and Employment)
 

Internal human resource initiative introduced

Gerald Smith, Minister of Human Resources and Employment, today announced the introduction of an innovative internal human resource initiative that will benefit employees of his department and the people they serve. 

The Position Employee Training and Skills System, known as PETS, is a new approach to human resource planning. Designed and developed completely in-house by the department's human resources and information technology divisions, the computer-based approach will assist employees of the department in identifying their training, skills and knowledge needs in order to better serve clients. 

"We live in a rapidly changing work world," said Minister Smith. "Advancements in technology have played a large role in how we deliver our programs and services. PETS will help employees identify the tools and training they may need and, in turn, better meet the needs of our clients."

Through the program, individual employees may review their current skills and identify where they may need further training. This will help the human resource division in planning necessary training and developmental opportunities for employees. 

"This new approach will benefit the quality of service clients receive," said Minister Smith. "Identifying the training needs and career goals of all employees of the department will lead to a more uniform and efficient service delivery of programs and services." 

PETS is the latest initiative in the redesign of the Department of Human Resources and Employment. Since 1998 the department has been redesigning its programs and services to better meet the needs of clients and ensuring service delivery is efficient, user friendly and simple to understand and administer. PETS is a major step towards achieving this goal. 

Media contact: Paul Power, Communications, (709) 729-6156.

2001 09 18                                      11:25 a.m.