NationTalk: Access to skilled trades training and certification has improved, according to the final report on the Apprenticeship, Trade and Occupational Certification Strategy 2017-2022 (Strategy).

The final report measures success in advancing and implementing the objectives, in accordance with the Strategy’s Performance Measurement Plan. Highlights include:

• Improved awareness of skilled trades training and certification through print, radio, digital and social media advertising, fact sheets, promotional materials, attending career events and updating web content.
• Improved satisfaction of both employers and apprentices through the creation of a more positive and supportive environment, focused on meeting the needs and preferences of clients.
• Significant growth in Schools North Apprenticeship Program (SNAP) participation. Participation increased from 0 students in 2016 to 22 students in 2022.
• Increased Indigenous participation in the trades. In 2021-2022, 59% of new apprentices in the NWT were Indigenous, growing from 51% of new apprentices who were Indigenous in 2016.
• In 2021-2022, 8% of new apprentices were women, which grew from 2% in 2016.

Quote(s):

“There is and will continue to be a high demand for tradespeople within the NWT, Canada and internationally. By building and supporting the workforce in the trades we can ensure that NWT residents have the skills necessary to fill these critical shortages. Over the life of this strategy, we’ve made important progress and will continue to work to improve representation in the trades and build a workforce equipped with the skills, knowledge and attitudes to succeed.”

– R.J. Simpson, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment

Quick facts:

• The Strategy aligns with the Skills 4 Success 10-Year Strategic Framework 2015-2025 with a shared vision, goals and actions of building the NWT workforce and diversifying the NWT economy.
• Understanding interest in the trades through participation in SNAP is an indicator of the future health of the trades workforce in the NWT.
• Work continues to ensure that women are represented in the trades, both through participation and completion of their apprenticeships.
• SNAP gives high school students hand-on learning experience in a trade.

Related links:

• Apprenticeship, Trades and Occupation Certification
• Apprenticeship, Trades and Occupation Certification Strategy 2017-2022
• Final Report on Apprenticeship, Trades and Occupation Certification Strategy 2017-2022

For media requests, please contact:

Briony Grabke

Manager, Public Affairs and Communications

Department of Education, Culture and Employment

Government of the Northwest Territories

briony_grabke@gov.nt.ca

867-767-9352 Ext. 71073