Mr. Speaker, during the last sitting, I committed to keeping this Legislative Assembly informed about the steps our government is taking to support adult learning and community-based education in response to Aurora College's decision to close community learning centres earlier this year.
[Translation] I am pleased to share that the government has entered into a new agreement with NWT Literacy Council. This partnership expands access to Employment Readiness Training in communities across the territory with a focus on supporting youth and adults to build the skills they need to pursue meaningful employment and further education. [Translation Ends]
Mr. Speaker, this new initiative is about meeting people where they are at home, in their communities, and ensuring they have the tools to succeed in today's labour market.
Over the next 18 months, we anticipate delivering this training in ten different communities, with the first four rolling out in Hay River, Fort Smith, Fort Resolution and Fort Providence later this fall. The NWT Literacy Council will engage with Indigenous governments and communities to help identify communities for further deliveries in 2026-2027.
This program includes five weeks of classroom-based instruction, followed by two weeks of supported work placements, volunteer opportunities, or community projects. Participants will gain foundational skills such as resume writing, communication, digital literacy, teamwork, financial literacy, and workplace readiness. Importantly, the training is designed to prepare participants for the demands of the modern labour market while being tailored to the local community context.
Mr. Speaker, this is not a pilot. It is a proven model. In recent years, the NWT Literacy Council delivered similar programming to 60 participants across communities including Whati, Wekweeti, Behchoko, Fort Simpson, Gameti, Aklavik, and Fort McPherson. The results speak for themselves: 71 percent of participants went on to secure employment or pursue further education, including programs at Aurora College. This new agreement builds on that success.
The training will include a strong cultural foundation by incorporating on the land learning and teachings from Indigenous knowledge holders. It also includes wraparound supports such as childcare, mental health supports, training allowances, and access to healthy food. Employers participating in the on-the-job component will receive wage subsidies to support learners.
Mr. Speaker, this agreement is about more than training; it's about empowerment. It's about ensuring Northerners have access to new opportunities and building stronger communities through education, employment, and partnership. I want to thank the NWT Literacy Council for their leadership and collaboration in making this initiative possible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi.
Thank you, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Ministers' statements. Mr. Premier.
