Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning. February 2nd to the 9th is Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification Week in the Northwest Territories. This is a week when we celebrate the achievements of our northern apprentices and we thank our partners in business and industry for the investment they make in training.
A skilled and productive workforce would not be possible without the time and commitment of northern employers. Employers provide work opportunities so apprentices can develop the wide range of skills they will need to be successful journeypersons.
This week, we recognize apprentices and occupational candidates from all regions of the Northwest Territories. In particular, awards will be given to the individuals with the highest marks in their trades or occupations.
The current economy and growing resource development provides the North with many opportunities, but there are also challenges we must address if northerners are to successfully access the new jobs. Newly created jobs require highly skilled labour. Training and certifying northerners in designated trades or occupations is essential to ensure future development benefits northerners first. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment is addressing this need by continuing to strengthen its commitment to apprenticeship and occupational certification.
Currently, over 450 people are registered as apprentices or candidates for occupational certification in the Northwest Territories. During the 2004-2005 academic year, 64 apprentices completed their apprenticeships and 43 were awarded in the Inter-provincial Red Seal.