Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, one of the strengths of the 18th Assembly is our broad range of experiences -- what we might call our past lives. In this Chamber, we have journalists, non-profit coordinators, lawyers, public servants, community leaders, small-business owners, and more. This diversity also reflects our constituents. In my own past life, before I was a small-business owner, I was an apprentice carpenter and cabinet maker, so I understand the importance of the skilled trades.
A few days ago, the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment tabled the NWT Apprenticeship, Trades and Occupational Certification Strategy. Mr. Speaker, we're going to need that strategy, and we're going to have to put it into action soon. To meet our forecast growth, the NWT is going to need more than 2,300 skilled trades jobs by the year 2030: carpenters, electricians, automotive service technicians, heavy-duty equipment mechanics, plumbers, and welders. We are lucky that we have a non-profit organization on the case. Skills Canada NWT is a registered charity that for almost 20 years has engaged youth in the skilled trades in our communities.
It organizes skills clubs, youth conferences, regional and territorial competitions, and supports our best at national competitions. I am proud to say I have served on its board, and I have seen firsthand how Skills Canada makes a difference for our young people who want to learn and to work. Mr. Speaker, in past generations, success was measured by whether you went to university or not, but we live in a different world. Today, technical and trade schools dedicated to excellence and innovation are popular and growing fast. Skills Canada's message to northern youth is that the skilled trades are for anyone, and the government's new strategy encourages women and Aboriginal youth to enter into apprenticeships. In the NWT and across Canada, resources remain at the core of our economy. Technical expertise, innovation, and skilled trades will be a centre of growth in our future.
Mr. Speaker, this week, northern youth are competing at the Skills Canada National Competition in Winnipeg. I want to wish them all the best and thank them for representing our territory with their wisdom, strength and, of course, their skills. Mr. Speaker, trades work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.