Manitoba introduces training for northern residents

$1.9-million investment involves 3 programs

The Manitoba government is helping to prepare northern Manitobans to meet the labour needs of industry through three new training programs.

"These training initiatives are designed to build northern Manitoba's workforce by helping northern Manitobans find and keep good jobs," said Premier Greg Selinger. "For those who are currently unemployed, these programs will help provide the necessary support to move from long-term unemployment to steady work."

The $1.9-million training investment includes:

The Training to Employment Pathways Initiative (TEP): This program prepares Aboriginal and northern residents for entry into semi-skilled or skilled jobs, assists existing workers to 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.

The Northern Apprenticeship Training Co-op: This initiative is piloting new ways of delivering apprenticeship training in the north with 15 apprentices in the heavy-duty equipment technician trade. The Northern Manitoba Sector Council will co-ordinate the short-term placement of apprentices with multiple employers to ensure they gain experience in the full scope of their trade.

The Process Operator in Training (POinT) Program: This consists of a customized assessment tool and targeted training programs developed by Vale Manitoba Operations in co-operation with Workplace Education Manitoba and the Northern Manitoba Sector Council.

The Atoskiwin Training and Employment Centre in the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (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 the Essential Skills required for the POinT program.

"These initiatives are generating real, substantive results: Northern people getting high quality training that leads to good jobs," said Doug Lauvstad, executive director of the Northern Manitoba Sector Council.

More information on the Northern Apprenticeship Co-op Training Initiative can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/tce/apprent/coop.

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