April 28, 2011
Apprenticeship Manitoba to Offer Online Training
– – –Opportunities to Train for Jobs of Tomorrow: Bjornson
Online technical training is now available to Manitobans because of a new partnership with Manitoba’s three colleges, led by Red River College, Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade Minister Peter Bjornson announced today.
The training is offered by Apprenticeship Manitoba through the E-Apprenticeship Design and Development Initiative (EADDI). EADDI is a $2.9-million project supported through a $2.1-million investment by Manitoba Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade and an in-kind contribution from Red River College for technology platforms, software and other intellectual property worth approximately $800,000, Bjornson said.
“Online apprenticeship courses enable Manitobans in urban, rural and northern communities to learn, study and work close to their homes and families, and contribute to our growing economy,” said Bjornson. “They increase research and training capacities at post-secondary institutions that provide apprenticeship training, enabling the province to meet demands for our skilled workforce.”
Apprenticeship Manitoba will be offering online technical training in 12 designated trades and common core subjects including Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHIMS), math/science and communication. This new learning option is a result of an identified need to support and expand the apprenticeship delivery model, Bjornson said. Apprenticeship Manitoba is committed to increasing the capacity of the technical training system, he added.
In 2009-10, a successful E-Apprenticeship pilot program offered in the electrical trade at Red River College provided the necessary groundwork to further develop online learning models in other trade areas.
"We’re pleased to partner with Apprenticeship Manitoba to increase accessibility to technical training by allowing students to overcome the barriers of time and place,” said Ken Webb, vice-president of academic and research at Red River College. “Online learning has proven very successful in other fields of study, and now Manitoba is leading the way in its use for apprenticeship preparation.”
The following courses are being developed for the 2011-12 school year:
- electrician Level 1 – first offering was run in the 2010-11 academic year with additional offerings planned for the 2011-12 academic year;
- water and waste-water technician Level 1 and 2;
- heavy-duty equipment technician/transport truck technician and agriculture equipment technician – common core to run in February 2012;
- electrician Level 2;
- carpenter Level 1;
- common core math/science; and
- common core communications – pilot is underway.
Additional online apprenticeship training courses will be offered in the 2012-13 and 2013-14 academic years:
- electrician Level 3 and 4;
- plumber Level 1 through 4;
- carpenter Level 2 through 4;
- refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanic (residential and commercial) Level 1;
- automotive service technician Level 1 and 4; and
- industrial mechanic/millwright Level 1 and 4.
For more information about Apprenticeship Manitoba and technical training, visit:
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