The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, joined the Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, today to announce an online training initiative pilot for apprentices that will enable them to stay in their home communities and work while participating in required block training.
Five trades have been selected for the $903,000 initiative. They are Automotive Service Technician at Academy Canada and College of the North Atlantic’s Plumber, Construction Electrician, Welder, and Carpenter programs.
This phase of the pilot focuses on transferring in-class curriculum to an online learning platform which will be highly interactive, including regular interaction with instructors and classmates as well as the use of simulation software. Online training in each of the five trades will be available during the next training year and is in addition to the existing in-class training option.
Online training for apprentices has been requested by skilled trades stakeholders and meets a key commitment in The Way Forward: Realizing Our Potential to strengthen apprenticeship training through more flexible delivery models.
Quotes
“This initiative will remove barriers and maximize access to training as for the first time in Newfoundland and Labrador, apprentices will have the option to train online while continuing to work. Our government is focused on creating a climate that supports private sector employment and economic growth, maximizing our opportunities to build an even brighter future for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“I am pleased to partner with public and private post-secondary institutions to strengthen the apprenticeship system through online training and building on our accessible and affordable post-secondary education system. Such training helps ensure our province is positioned to take full advantage of opportunities to expand business and grow our economy. ”
Honourable Al Hawkins
Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
“The model of advanced apprenticeship training has to be flexible to fit the times and environments in which we work. Taking advantage of technological resources and tools, like on-line learning, will go a long way in meeting the needs of industry and apprentices.”
David Harris
Chair, Provincial Apprenticeship and Certification Board
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Media contacts
Michelle Cannizzaro
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
michellecannizzaro@gov.nl.ca
Ryan Crocker
Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
709-729-1795, 725-9595
RyanCrocker@gov.nl.ca
David Harris
Chair, Provincial Apprenticeship and Certification Board
david.harris@ironore.ca