February 13, 2003

A training program underway in The Pas is helping 19 northern Manitobans achieve journeyman status in their chosen trades, Advanced Education and Training Minister Diane McGifford announced today.

The program, known as the Home Construction and Renovation Apprenticeship Program, will train 12 carpenters, two drywall apprentices, two electrical and two plumbing apprentices and one sheet metal apprentice. Trainees were recruited, interviewed, assessed and selected by a funding partner, the Opaskwayak Cree Nation Housing Authority. To support the home renovation program, the province is contributing $138,000.

"Improving housing for northern residents is one of the five priorities identified in our government’s Northern Development Strategy," McGifford said. "This training program supports the development of human resources in the North and will have positive social and economic impacts. Having qualified workers close to home saves money that can be redirected toward additional housing, while increasing Aboriginal and northern employment opportunities."

Phase one of this one-time project consisted of six months of on-the-job work experience in the home construction industry from July to December 2002. Phase two, which will wrap up in May 2003, includes an additional 640 hours of home renovations training.

"This project equips trainees with the skills required to continue to work on housing projects in the community and with the private sector," said Oscar Lathlin, minister of Aboriginal and northern affairs. "Education and training is a critical component of our government's northern development strategy. This program provides trainees with skills that will enable them to make a long-term contribution to their community."

Announced in September 2001, the Northern Development Strategy is a long-term development plan that focuses on priority areas such as health services and information, housing, transportation, employment and training, and economic development. Under the initiative, the province is working with northern and Aboriginal communities, non-government organizations, the private sector and the federal government to build on existing strengths and to address the distinctive needs and priorities of northern people.

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