Delegation brings home innovative ideas for Canadian skills training
GATINEAU, QC, March 15, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development, today wrapped up a six-day visit to Germany and England to study the countries' training models.
During the tour, Minister Kenney and the delegation met with government officials and business leaders to explore each country's approach to skills training and how these approaches could apply in Canada. The Minister also took part in roundtable discussions with stakeholders from a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, education and labour. The delegation toured training centres and met with students in both Germany and the United Kingdom.
In Germany, the delegation visited businesses and educational institutions to observe the country's famed dual system, which integrates classroom education and work experience. Members of the delegation also had the chance to speak with students and graduates about their experiences.
In London, the delegation met with Doug Richard, who was instrumental in advising the UK government on its recent reforms of its apprenticeship training system. The delegation also met with stakeholders, including members of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, which represents employers from various sectors and trade unions.
Quick Facts
- While in Germany, Minister Kenney and the delegation met with government and business leaders, including the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, the Düsseldorf Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Employers' Association of the Metal and Electrical Industry.
- The Canadian delegation visited employers and educational institutions such as the Stihl manufacturing plant, Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University in Düsseldorf and the Siemens Training Centre in Berlin, where they had the opportunity to speak with apprentices and observe the German training model first-hand.
- While in England, the delegation also had the opportunity to speak directly with apprentices and other students about their experiences during visits to a further education college in Wembley and the British Airport Authority Academy at Heathrow Airport, which offers an innovative four-year engineering program in partnership with four colleges.
- According to Skills/Compétences Canada, 1 million skilled trade workers will be required by 2020. Canada will need 320 000 new workers in the construction sector, 145 000 in the mining sector, 130 000 in the petroleum sector and 360 000 in the supply chain sector.
Quote
"Our government's top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity. I was pleased to lead a delegation to study Germany's innovative training system that puts employers at the centre of the system, the recent improvements to the apprenticeship system in the United Kingdom and how these international best practices can be applied to create jobs and opportunities in Canada."
- The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development
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SOURCE: Employment and Social Development Canada
Alexandra Fortier
Office of the Minister
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
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