Apprenticeship training holds the promise of well-paid careers for Islanders and economic development for the Island community, says Innovation and Advanced Learning Minister Allan Campbell.

Minister Campbell, who spoke to graduates at the 2010 Apprenticeship Awards evening, said the recently certified tradespeople represent the foundation of a booming Island economy.

“Canada is facing a skilled-labour shortage in the coming years, and it is vital that we help young people like yourselves get the training to enter into these careers across the country,” said the minister.

This year’s class of completed apprentices is the largest to date with 99 new journeypersons. Since 2006, a total of 420 Islanders have completed their apprenticeships in a variety of trades such as Automotive Service Technician, Carpenter, Construction Electrician, Cook, Plumber, Powerline Technician and Welder, among others. These journeypersons now hold the Interprovincial Red Seal which is a certification standard recognized across Canada.

“We understand that many of you will work outside of the province at one time or another, for any number of reasons. That is why the Red Seal certification you’ve received through this program is so important,” said the minister. “We hope that if you do move to work in another part of the country, as the Red Seal allows you to do, that you’ll be able move home again when the time is right for you.”

There continues to be a steady demand for skilled trades professionals and on average 330 Island apprentices take advantage of block release training each year. Apprentices spend approximately 80 per cent of their time on the job learning practical skills and 20 per cent in class learning the technical component of their trade.

Apprentices are paid workers so they “Earn While They Learn.” They are allowed to draw Employment Insurance benefits while in block release training and the tuition and learning material costs are covered by SkillsPEI.

For more information, contact Apprenticeship PEI at 368-4460 or visit www.apprenticeship.pe.ca.