The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The NDP government is launching three new training initiatives designed to connect northern Manitobans with industrial jobs. The $1.9-million in funding includes the Training to Employment Pathways Initiative (TEP), designed to prepare aboriginal and northern residents for entry into semi-skilled or skilled jobs. TEP helps existing workers transition into more advanced jobs, supports individuals wishing to enter or continue job-specific training, and prepares apprentices for trades qualifier exams. TEP will create a pool of labour accessible by multiple industries by providing training in essential skills common to several current and emerging job opportunities. Also included is the Northern Apprenticeship Training Co-op, which is piloting new ways of delivering apprenticeship training in the North with 15 apprentices in the heavy-duty equipment technician trade. Through this initiative, the Northern Manitoba Sector Council, which includes representation from major northern employers, will coordinate the short-term placement of apprentices with multiple employers to ensure they gain experience in the full scope of their trade. Lastly is the Process Operator in Training (POinT) Program, which consists of a customized assessment tool and targeted training programs developed by Vale in Thompson in co-operation with Workplace Education Manitoba and the Northern Manitoba Sector Council. The Atoskiwin Training and Employment Centre in Nelson House was selected as the first community-based pilot for the delivery of Introduction to Industry - Mining, a 12-week training program to provide trainees with necessary skills. 'These training initiatives are designed to build northern Manitoba's workforce by helping northern Manitobans find and keep good jobs,' said Premier Greg Selinger, who announced the programs while in Thompson last week. 'For those who are currently unemployed, these programs will help provide the necessary support to move from long-term unemployment to steady work.' Selinger also toured Thompson's new University College of the North campus, currently under construction. 'This new campus will play a key role in meeting the growing need for trade and technology training in northern Manitoba,' said the premier. _ Compiled from a Government of Manitoba news release
