A Craft Education Program designed to support and enhance Prince Edward Island's craft and giftware industry is being offered in the new year. The federal and provincial governments have partnered with the Tourism Industry Association of PEI (TIAPEI), to coordinate a six-part training series to address the training needs of the industry.
Running from January to June 2002, the Craft Education Program will offer a one-day session each month covering such topics as Trends, New Product Design and Taking Your Product to Market. Each monthly session will be offered in Montague, Charlottetown and Summerside. In addition to the monthly series, three evening sessions will also be held.
"A highly skilled workforce is the key to the success of any industry and the craft and giftware sector is no exception," said the Honourable Mike Currie, Minister of Development and Technology. "The Province believes that offering educational opportunities to Island craftspeople will not only encourage the growth of the industry, but will also enhance the exceptionally high level of quality that is synonymous with the products produced here on PEI."
TIAPEI offers a host of training programs during the tourism off-season and believes adding programs targeted at the craft and giftware sector will only enhance the Island's tourism sector.
"Crafts and giftware is an emerging market that plays a key role in PEI's tourism industry. TIAPEI is pleased to partner with government in offering the Craft Education Program," said Don Cudmore, Executive Director of TIAPEI.
The cost of the six-series training program is $100 and individual evening sessions are $10 each. For more information or to register, contact Joan Auld at 902-368-2346.
Funding for this project is provided by the Canada/Prince Edward Island Labour Market Development Agreement, co-managed by Human Resources Development Canada and the provincial Department of Development and Technology.