Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The past several months have been very busy for the Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification program. In 2007 a review of the program was initiated by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. This review was commissioned to ensure the system remained responsive to the demand for tradespeople in the North and across Canada.
The review provided 22 recommendations, some of which were initiated immediately upon completion of the report. An executive summary and an action plan addressing these recommendations were recently released to the public. These actions include changes to administrative and legislative processes, data collection, analysis and communications. These changes are streamlining activities, making the system more efficient for employers and tradespeople.
There is evidence of results, with the number of registered apprentices climbing by almost 25 per cent this fall, from about 320 for the past several years to just over 400 as of September 1, 2008. This increase in numbers may be in part because of changes to the apprenticeship system, but it also speaks to the increase in demand for tradespeople by employers.
Our apprenticeship program can be successful only if northern employers have jobs to fill. The Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification program is a natural and essential partnership between this government and employers. One of the first actions resulting from the review was the establishment of trades advisory committees for five key NWT trades. The employers and tradespeople who give their time to these committees will be key to maintaining current information about the needs and demands in specific trades.
I would like to thank all the stakeholders who participated in the review and whose recommendations have proved invaluable in maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of the Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification program. I believe the review will have a real impact in ensuring that trades opportunities for Northerners continue to improve and flourish.
