The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills:

Adult Learners Contributing to a Vibrant Economy

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in this Honourable House to provide on update on how the Provincial Government is helping adult learners in Newfoundland and Labrador achieve better results.

We are doing this by meeting a growing demand for skilled labour – both at College of the North Atlantic and through delivery of the provincial Adult Basic Education program by private training institutions and community groups.

Earlier this year, we changed the delivery of the Adult Basic Education program so that people have the tools they require to be successful, find jobs and establish careers. As we made this change, we also took steps to ensure that programs at College of the North Atlantic became more responsive to a growing demand for skilled labour.

Today, 884 people are enrolled in Adult Basic Education in the province. Across Newfoundland and Labrador, students are getting the literacy and numeracy skills they need to participate in our modern economy.

Meanwhile, Mr. Speaker, the college is enjoying success in its efforts to train women and men to meet a growing demand for skilled labour. In response to a challenging waiting list in programs such as Mobile Crane Operator, Paramedicine, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Heavy Equipment Operator, Welder, and Sheet Metal Worker, the college increased capacity and mounted additional offerings for these and other programs. This change has resulted in a 20 per cent reduction to the college’s waitlists and an 8.2 per cent increase in student enrollment.

Recognizing that education is a proven path to prosperity, adult learning – both post-secondary programming and Adult Basic Education – is one of this government’s highest priorities.

Mr. Speaker, we are proud of the partnerships that have been built with College of the North Atlantic and the private training institutions and community groups.

We offer congratulations to all adult learners for making the decision to further their education and training, and we wish them every success in the future.

Thank you.

2013 11 14                                     1:55 p.m.