GOVERNMENT RECEIVES TRAINING SYSTEM REVIEW PANEL RECOMMENDATIONS

Learning Minister Andrew Thomson today received the report of the Training System Review Panel. The panel was appointed in May of this year as a follow up to the Premier's Economic Summit. Chaired by Douglas McArthur, the panel was tasked to undertake a comprehensive review of Saskatchewan's training and apprenticeship system.

"I would like to thank Doug McArthur and panel members Lorraine Hanson and Paul Dudgeon for the very thorough and comprehensive report," Thomson said. "They have presented us with a high quality report with substantive recommendations that will improve our ability to make sure people are able to take full advantage of the growing economy."

"Our report emphasizes the need to adopt a new training model that is flexible and adaptable, responsive to learners' needs and circumstances, and community based," McArthur said. "Employers must be an integral part of the system, and continuous learning must be supported so that people can advance their skills without having to face major disruptions in work and family life.

"The training system will have to recognize many new realities over the coming years," McArthur concluded. "More people have to receive training, and the way they get that training has to change. The New Training Model provides a framework to guide those changes."

During the review process, the panel consulted with over 500 people representing training institutions and organizations; employers; industry associations; Aboriginal, federal, provincial and municipal governments; economic development organizations and the business sector. The panel also held focus group sessions with students, apprentices, employers and the general public in rural and urban centres.

"Saskatchewan's economy is growing at a rate that it may soon outpace our ability to supply it with skilled labour," Thomson said. "We need to ensure that all Saskatchewan citizens have the skills they need to take advantage of the opportunities presented by this economic growth. The work of the panel, and the follow up work we will undertake with our training partners, is critical to Saskatchewan's future success.

"I look forward to working with institutional partners, over the next few months to obtain their input and together develop a new Job Ready Saskatchewan strategy," Thomson said.

More information and a copy of the report is available online at: http://www.learning.gov.sk.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Doug McArthur Training System Review Panel Phone: (604) 786-0016

Jacquie McLean Learning Regina Phone: (306) 787-5609 Cell: (306) 535-2261