The Honourable Chester Gillan, Minister of Education, announced today the government's plan to develop a long-term, comprehensive education and training strategy. The strategy will focus on a wide range of education and training issues in Prince Edward Island. "This initiative responds in part to the valuable feedback the government received from its public consultation on the Labour Market Development Agreement," says Minister Gillan. "That feedback stressed the need for more strategic partnerships, better labour market preparation and planning for students, and a request to increase the relevance of education and job training. The strategy will address these concerns and draw on a comprehensive partnership between government, school boards, UPEI and Holland College, private trainers, educators, the business sector, and home and school associations."
Currently, a comprehensive program proposal is being developed to address the needs of Island senior high school students. This proposal will build on existing strengths such as: cooperative education programs, entrepreneurship programs,
alternative education programs, career exploration courses and career technology studies.
"This strategy is a leading initiative and reflects our government's belief that a vibrant education and training system must be committed to the concept of life-long learning," says Minister Gillan. He stresses that a strong, publicly funded education system is the cornerstone of healthy communities and a growing small business sector. "As we approach 2000 and beyond, our government's goal is to ensure a strong education and training system is in place to help individuals and families become full contributing members of society."
Work will begin immediately on the comprehensive education and training strategy.