Essential Skills - National Adult Literacy Database

Essential Skills and the Northern Oil and Gas Workforce Final Report and Resource Guide
Day 1 SESSION 1:
THE TRAINING PICTURE IN THE NORTH
Presenters: Mark Cleveland (Education Culture & Employment)
Margaret Imrie (Aurora College)
Overview:
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 Cleveland
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.
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