Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, colleagues. As this is Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification Week, I would like to celebrate our success in this area.
In the 2005-2006 school year, the Northwest Territories certified 20 people in designated occupations. Sixty-seven northerners achieved journey status, while another 41 journey-certified northerners achieved their red seal, inter-provincial certification.
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Throughout the week and into March, each regional career development centre will be hosting Apprenticeships and Occupational Certification Award ceremonies. Sixty-three awards of excellence will be presented to the candidates who have achieved the highest marks in their respective trade or occupation. I have sent congratulatory letters to the award winners on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories. I hope Members will join me in congratulating their constituents who have achieved these levels of excellence.
I would also like to recognize our many partners in trades and occupational certification, particularly the employers who participate in the program and without whom the program could not exist. The Apprenticeship Program is one of the most successful public/private/partnership programs in existence.
Mr. Speaker, given the potential for new jobs in the trades in our hot northern economy, I hope many more young people will choose to pursue a skilled trade after they graduate from high school. Those who do have tremendous opportunity for financial success and a fulfilling career.
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