February 25, 2003
Proposed Changes to the Provincial Apprenticeship Program
Question to the Minister of Advanced Education Shirley Bond
R. Lee: I would like to ask a public written question submitted by Mondee Redman, chair of the board of school trustees for school district 41 in Burnaby, to the Minister of Advanced Education. How would the proposed changes to the provincial apprentice program address appropriate workplace education standards, safety measures and transition to provincial apprenticeship programs for secondary school students?
Hon. S. Bond: I'm pleased to be able to respond to the publicly written question. Certainly, as media reports and people have recognized, we are facing a looming skills shortage not just in the province but, in fact, in our country. The responsible thing to do is look at the system that's currently in place and begin to look at choice, flexibility and ways to enhance opportunities not just for learners but for workers and employers in British Columbia. We want to make it very clear that under the new proposed model for industry training in the province, we will not be lowering qualifications. We will not be looking at lesser standards for safety in British Columbia. In fact, we want to introduce options that allow us to look at competencies and at skill sets. We want to make sure that we maintain both provincial and national standards.
Finally, in reference to the secondary school apprenticeship program, both the Minister of Education and I have had much discussion about the value of those programs to our province. We are excited about the opportunities that it presents to students in this province. We think it's a template for how we're going to train people. We hope to enhance those opportunities for students within British Columbia.
