Partnerships the Focus of AOC Week

News Releases

February 7, 2011 - The partnerships between the Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE), industry members, Aurora College, Skills Canada NWT, and the Mine Training Society, to promote and build apprenticeship and occupational certification in the NWT, are being celebrated during Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification (AOC) Week, February 7– 11.

“Developing opportunities for apprentices and trainees to learn from certified and experienced workers is key to meeting the needs of all industries in our territory,” says the Minister of ECE, Jackson Lafferty. “Without the strong partnerships that we have developed across the NWT, we cannot accomplish our goals of a diversified economy and healthy, educated people.”

During AOC Week, ECE, along with its partners, is launching a fort building contest to raise public awareness around the trades. Employers, employees, students and residents of the NWT are being challenged to build a fort made entirely out of wood pallets. Photo submissions are being accepted at ECEpublicaffairs@gov.nt.ca until April 11. The winner will be chosen and announced at the 13th Annual Territorial Skills Competition in Yellowknife on April 19.

Support for apprentices is a key part of the Government of the Northwest Territories plan to maximize opportunities for NWT residents and contributes to achieving the Assembly’s goals of healthy, educated people and a diversified economy.

For more information on the contest or AOC Week events taking place in your community, please visit your regional ECE Service Centre or contact:

Amy Doerksen
Manager, Public Affairs
Education, Culture and Employment
Phone: (867) 920-6222
Email: amy_doerksen@gov.nt.ca