REGINA ENTREPRENEUR RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD

Philip Thompson, a Regina-based entrepreneur, received the 2002 General Educational Development (GED) National Award for Outstanding Achievement for the Province of Saskatchewan at a ceremony held today at the SIAST Wascana Campus. The ceremony also celebrated Adult Learners' Week and International Literacy Day.

"Our economy and business community are only as strong as our people. By continuing to learn new skills and abilities, our workforce will remain competitive," Learning Minister Judy Junor said. "Mr. Thompson will be able to apply what he learned to his business, helping it to flourish and grow."

Mr. Thompson received the highest total score on the GED among the more than 1000 people who wrote the tests in 2002. The tests provide an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate that they have acquired the level of learning required of traditional high school graduates. Saskatchewan administered its first GED tests in 1970.

"To earn a GED credential, a candidate must complete a set of five tests covering math, science, reading, writing and social studies. The tests, which last more than seven hours, also measure communication, information processing, problem solving and critical thinking skills. These are high-level skills that will benefit individuals in the workplace – whether as an employee or an entrepreneur," Junor says.

"Business has been growing in leaps and bounds," Thompson says. "I am happy to say that I am right where I want to be at this stage of my life."

To support lifelong learning and literacy, Saskatchewan Learning Minister Judy Junor proclaimed September 8th Literacy Day in Saskatchewan, and September 7th-13th Saskatchewan Adult Learners' Week. Literacy and lifelong learning are key to a competitive workforce and economic prosperity.

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For More Information, Contact:

Ernie Lipinski Learning Regina Phone: (306)787-8131