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FOR RELEASE     #05-012
January 20, 2005

Government Providing More Trades Training Opportunities In 2005

WHITEHORSE - To ensure Yukoners have the skills they need to take advantage of upcoming economic opportunities, the Yukon government is offering more pre-employment and apprenticeship training in the skilled trades in 2005.

"Shortages in the skilled trades currently exist in the Yukon and across Canada," Education Minister John Edzerza said. "This government has invested over a half-million dollars in trades and technology training through Community Training Funds this year to help Yukoners get the skills they need to succeed in today’s world of work."

A pre-employment program for the piping trades is starting this month in Whitehorse. Piping trades have been identified as trades in especially high demand. The pre-employment piping trades course will provide training in both the plumbing and steam fitter/pipe fitter trades and students will have the option to challenge the Level 1 apprenticeship exam at the end of the course.

To help the residents of Carmacks seize local and regional job opportunities in construction next building season, the Yukon government will also be providing Carpentry Level 1 training in Carmacks starting February 2005.

"Providing training opportunities in the communities is important to this government as it will allow residents to develop the skills they need to take advantage of local work opportunities," Edzerza said. "Trades training will provide Yukoners with valuable skills in trades they can use for the rest of their lives."

In addition to carpentry and piping trades training, the Yukon government funds electrical, general mechanical and food service training programs, among others.

"This government increased Community Training Funds this year to $2 million," Edzerza added. "We are committed to providing Yukoners with the skills they need to succeed in the workforce and providing pre-employment and trades training programs is a big part of that commitment."

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 Contact:  
 Darielle Talarico  Clea Ainsworth
 Cabinet Communications Advisor  Communications Coordinator, Education
 (867) 667-8766  (867) 393-7102
 darielle.talarico@gov.yk.ca  clea.ainsworth@gov.yk.ca