Provincial Apprenticeship System Attracts International Attention
EDUCATION--Provincial Apprenticeship System Attracts International Attention
The provincial apprenticeship program has attracted international attention, capturing the interest of Belize and Bermuda.
"We are proud of the improvements that have been made to the provincial apprenticeship system over the last 18 months including reducing waiting times for training and working with industry to meet labour demands," said Education Minister Jamie Muir. "It is gratifying to receive international attention, but even better to be working with local and international partners to share best practices and continue to improve apprenticeship in Nova Scotia."
Anthony Castillo, co-ordinator of the national apprenticeship program for the country of Belize, has spent the last month on a study tour with the apprenticeship training and skill development division, Department of Education.
"When researching international apprenticeship models, the Nova Scotia system was most similar to what we are establishing in Belize," said Mr. Castillo. "The Nova Scotia system has many innovative features such as the essential skill initiative, that match our objectives."
Belize is in the process of setting up a new apprenticeship system to meet the needs of youth and to enhance the skilled workforce. This project has been underway for the past few years, led by a consultant from Nova Scotia and the director of the Enhancement of Technical, Vocational and Educational Training project in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. The government of Belize contacted the Nova Scotia apprenticeship training and skill development division early in 2003 to arrange for a delegation to come and study Nova Scotia's apprenticeship system. Contact was maintained and, this year, approval was obtained for Mr. Castillo to spend a month in Nova Scotia.
During his visit, Mr. Castillo has been given a complete overview of the system. He has spent time in the field at Nova Scotia Community College, and conducted site visits with the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association, the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia and many other partners in the provincial apprenticeship system.
"My visit has been very exciting and informative. Much of what I have learned can be applied in Belize and I look forward to continuing to work with Nova Scotia to build our system," said Mr. Castillo, "There is a great potential for our country to partner with various stakeholders. The hospitality and welcome extended to me during my visit has been outstanding. I foresee a growing working relationship between our two jurisdictions in the future. I can hardly wait to share what I have learned with my government and the press."
Belize, as a member of the British Commonwealth, has a lot in common with Nova Scotia and shares its historical ties.
Earlier this month the province signed an agreement with the government of Bermuda to provide training to their apprentices through the Nova Scotia system.
The apprenticeship system is part of Skills Nova Scotia, the provincial skills initiative. Improvements to apprenticeship include reducing waiting times for training and working with industry to meet labour demands.