The Atlantic Workforce Partnership has made great strides recently on a number of initiatives that will improve the region’s skilled labour force and allow for greater flexibility and mobility for Island apprentices, says Minister Richard Brown, Workforce and Advanced Learning. The Atlantic Harmonization Project works to ensure seamless mobility to enable apprentices to obtain meaningful work experience through on-the-job training.
Ten trades will be harmonized by July 2017: bricklayer; cook; welder; metal fabricator; carpenter; construction electrician; industrial electrician; instrumentation and control technician; steamfitter-pipe-fitter; and plumber. To date, the cook, bricklayer, welder, and metal fabricator trades have already been harmonized. “By ensuring consistency throughout Atlantic Canada’s apprenticeship programs, our apprentices will feel at ease and well prepared for their current and future work experiences,” said Brown. “As a group, we will be better equipped to address skills deficits and enhance training opportunities.”
These recent changes through the collaborative efforts of the Atlantic Workforce Partnership will also allow to make it easier for Canadians to pursue apprenticeship opportunities across the country. Apprentices will have more access to job opportunities, and employers will have a wider selection of skilled workers when making hiring decisions, says Brown.
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