Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I will be asking questions to the Minister responsible for the NWT Power Corporation. As we all know the importance of developing young people in the work force, can the Minister please explain how the Power Corporation implements their apprenticeship program across the NWT? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Minister responsible for NWT Power Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, as the corporation's needs dictate, we hire apprentices with the objective to fill as many permanent positions with Northerners. Prior to incumbents retiring or leaving, we set employment competitions for apprentices in their specific trade and in the specific community in which the need arises. Thank you.
I thank the Minister for his answer. Can the Minister confirm that the Power Corporation’s practice of implementing their apprenticeship program is similar to other government departments across the NWT?
Yes, I can advise that we follow the GNWT-developed program for our apprentices. Our apprentices are all registered with the GNWT ECE, and we follow their hours and schooling procedures.
I guess I'm going to have to reword my question. When I talk to the Minister about apprenticeship and the process, it is about the grades and how they develop the application for these students or young people to apply for jobs. Does the Minister know if his department works consistently with the Government of the Northwest Territories' other departments, and how they implement apprenticeship programs.
I understand that we have a long-term program of developing apprentices, and I assume we work consistently with other government departments. I don't have any direct evidence of that, but I assume that to be the case.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Actually, I think the department should maybe get together and look at how they actually implement their apprenticeship programs, but I will go on to my next question. Can the Minister please tell the House how many northern apprenticeships are employed by the Power Corporation, and how many successful candidates are employed? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I can advise that currently there are seven apprentices at the Power Corporation. Those seven are already full-time employees and they will be offered permanent employment upon the successful completion of their apprenticeships. We currently have four journeyman employees that have completed their apprenticeships through the Power Corporation.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake.
