FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government has partnered with industry and the New Brunswick Teen Apprentice Program (NBTAP) to support an initiative that leads to early entry into the apprenticeship program. The announcement was made today at Simonds High School.

The provincial government is investing $245,000 in NBTAP to help connect employers with potential apprentices, and to help students get a jump start on a career in the skilled trades before they leave high school.

“This program is a great example of how our government is supporting the environment that matches the skilled labour requirements of employers with the training opportunities for our young people,” said Premier David Alward. “It is one more way we are rebuilding New Brunswick.”

The program was launched during the 2011-12 school year in Saint John as a pilot project at Simonds High School, in partnership with founding organizations Irving Oil, Jacobs Industrial, and the New Brunswick Building Trades. Six students participated.

“Over the past two years, NBTAP has grown from six students to 25 and from our founding partner, Irving Oil, to include 18 other employers offering training in 20 skilled trades,” said Christina Taylor, program director at NBTAP. “This program represents a true collaboration between industry, education, the trades and government which will result in lifelong opportunities for youth in our province.”

The program involves classroom learning during the school year and summer employment where the work focuses on learning specific trades from qualified employer mentors.

“As one of the largest employers in our region, we know that industry must drive the solution that connects youth in our province with great career opportunities here in New Brunswick,” said Mark Sherman, general manager at the Irving Oil Refinery. “Together with government, the trades, education and industry, we are helping to address our province's skilled labour challenge.”

After three years in the program, students will have sufficient hours to attend trade-specific block-one training and challenge the block-one exam for their selected trade. This means they can move directly into block two within months of graduating from high school.

“Students are able to earn hours toward formal apprenticeship as well as high school credits,” said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Danny Soucy. “They are earning money during the summer and developing lifelong skills that will help prepare them for the workforce. This is an innovative program that is bridging labour market supply and demand, while at the same time giving an early boost for young people to secure a career in the trades here in New Brunswick.”

LINK:

●    New Brunswick Teen Apprentice Program (www.nbtap.ca)

17-05-13