OROMOCTO (GNB) – The provincial government is investing $1 million over three years to expand the New Brunswick Teen Apprentice Program, which gives high school students early training and employment in the skilled trades.
"This year the program will expand to 28 high schools across New Brunswick and continue to grow each of the following two years,” said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Jody Carr. “It is a great example of how our government is working with industry and high schools to connect young people to skills and jobs in New Brunswick."
The program connects employers with potential apprentices, enabling high school students to get a jump start on a career in the skilled trades.
"This is our first year expanding the program outside the Saint John and Sussex areas, and we are excited to be growing it in all parts of the province, such as Oromocto, Fredericton and Nackawic," said Christina Taylor, executive director of the program.
The program allows students starting in Grade 10 to experience a trade; gain three years of summer employment; earn credits toward graduation; and complete the first level of a formal apprenticeship.
"This program is a key action item of our government's Labour Force and Skills Development Strategy 2013-2016," said Carr. "We are focused on creating jobs and keeping our young workers – one of our most valuable resources – here at home.
"Together, government, industry and high schools are getting young people the skills they need for jobs in our province, including the thousands of jobs expected from large scale projects such as responsible shale gas development, the west-east pipeline and jobs related to our new forestry and innovation plans. It also helps address labour challenges resulting from an aging population."
In 2013 the program grew to 30 students with 17 employers providing hands-on work opportunities in 18 trades. In 2014, it will expand to more communities, with more than 70 students working for 30 employers in more than 20 trades.
Applications for students will be accepted in March. Interested students and employers are encouraged to contact the program directly.
Provincial funding for the New Brunswick Teen Apprentice Program is made possible through the Canada-New Brunswick Labour Market Development Agreement and the Canada-New Brunswick Labour Market Agreement.
LINK:
● New Brunswick Teen Apprentice Program
21-02-14