Presenters:
Mark Cleveland (Education Culture & Employment)
Margaret Imrie (Aurora College)
Mark Cleveland, Deputy Minister of Education, Culture and Employment GNWT, and Margaret Imrie Vice President Academic, Aurora College, outlined s ome of the education, training and employment challenges that are unique to the north. Mark provided an overview of industry in the north, the current labour market situation and discussed some of the challenges and opportunities for northerners in becoming full participants in and beneficiaries of a strong diversified economy. Margaret outlined the education and workforce preparation training situation in the north and some of the challenges for Aurora College in developing and delivering training that meets the needs of learners and employers. She also touched on approaches to meeting the challenges and the resources necessary to do so.
Mark explained that rapid changes are occurring in the north. There is currently a 6% unemployment rate, but there have been radical shifts in the types of employment available. In the past, there was a single industry focus; now there are more opportunities and choices. The expansion of opportunity puts greater emphasis on the importance of making good decisions around how best to build and retain the workforce of the north.
In the past 10 – 15 years, there have been improvements in essential skill levels. In the early 90’s, high schools were opened in every northern community; the impact of having a K-12 system available to all young learners has been greatly increased access to skills enhancement opportunities. In addition, Career and Life Management, and technology courses have been introduced at the secondary level to better prepare youth for the workplace. In terms of adult training, community learning programs enable students to pursue everything from Adult Basic Education courses to university transfer credits. Now the challenge will be to fit all the pieces together and ensure the needs of industry are also being addressed.
Because of all the economic activity in the north, the time is right for additional planning to occur, planning that involves all stakeholders. Workers must be able to gain the skills they need and stakeholders must be willing to work together to ensure success on all fronts.