ECE Reviews Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification

R(15)393 – Friday, March 16, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE (16 March, 2007) – As part of a commitment to supporting a skilled and productive workforce, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is reviewing its Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification Programme.

“The labour market in the Northwest Territories has increased by almost 3000 jobs in the last five years, and is projected to continue to grow. Many of the new jobs will be in trades and occupations,” commented Minister Charles Dent. “We want to be forward looking and ensure our programmes continue to support Northerners who need training.”

The review involves four phases over nine months, including:

Phase 1 – Background Research and Evaluation Set-up
Phase 2 – Consultation
Phase 3 – Data and Information Analysis
Phase 4 – Final Report and RecommendationsThe Department is interested in the views of Northerners on how effective the programme is and in any suggestions for its improvement. Members of the public are invited to pick up surveys after March 19, 2007 at regional career centres or online at www.ece.gov.nt.ca. There will also be open houses in each of the regions:

South Slave – Hay River, March 20, 2007
Deh Cho – Fort Simpson, March 22, 2007
North Slave – Yellowknife, April 4, 2007
Sahtu – Norman Wells, April 12, 2007
Beaufort Delta – Inuvik, April 25, 2007

For more information, please contact:

Shawn McCann
Manager, Public Affairs
Education, Culture and Employment
(867) 920-6222
shawn_mccann@gov.nt.ca