Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to make a few comments on promotion and awareness of trades careers. The standing committee on agencies, boards and commissions took special note when the chairperson of the Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Board pointed out that there exists a "negative social perception" of trades careers. Trades training has been undervalued as a career option, too often equated with inaccurate images of "dirty jobs," "blue collar lifestyles" and "boring work." In contrast, the high earning potential and excellent opportunities for personal growth and the community esteem associated with trades in the North are a reality often overlooked by persons looking for career development options.
Members of the standing committee agreed that there has been insufficient promotion of apprenticeship and trade certification as a career path. It was noted, for instance, that among the widely distributed series of "Northerners on the Move" posters, not one of the role models depicted was a tradesperson.
The standing committee wishes to stress that the trades sector should be a valued component of the human resource base of the NWT. With increased emphasis on self-sufficient communities and the advent of industrial mega-projects, the demand for skilled, qualified tradespeople will become intensive. Northerners should be encouraged to prepare for these career opportunities now, so they will not be lost to non-resident workers in the future.
Motion To Adopt Recommendation 4, Carried
Mr. Chairman. our fourth recommendation: I move that the Department of Education work with the Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Board to develop and table in the Legislative Assembly a plan for emphasizing the designated trades as an excellent training and career opportunity for residents of the NWT. Mahsi.