NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
GNWT outlines next steps to ensure continued access to adult education and employment programs across the NWT

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) released a critical path outlining how it will continue to support access to quality education and employment programs following the closure of Aurora College's Community Learning Centres (CLCs) earlier this year.

The critical path highlights immediate and medium-term actions to ensure residents across the territory can continue to access adult learning and training opportunities.

Key actions include:

• Partner with a Northern organization to deliver Employment Readiness Training in communities.
• Continue engagement with Indigenous governments and communities to determine the future use of former CLC facilities.
• Issue a Request for Proposal to identify an operator for the Yellowknife Literacy Outreach Centre, and seek expressions of interest for literacy outreach in Inuvik and Fort Smith.
• Support alternative high school program options through NWT Education Bodies.

The GNWT is also reviewing ways to streamline the Adult Literacy and Basic Education program to better meet learners' needs. Program delivery will continue to be monitored and evaluated using data from the Post-Secondary Education Accountability Framework.

Quote:

"Community-based pathways to education and employment are incredibly important. This path lays out the steps we're taking to respond to the closure of the Community Learning Centres to ensure Northerners have access to quality education and employment programs from their home communities. It's important to highlight that this is an interim solution while we work directly with communities to design solutions that address gaps and are autonomous with the learning goals of community members.

Access to community-based learning is essential not just for individual success, but for the health and strength of our communities, and determining what that looks like requires a collaborative approach."

- Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment

Quick facts

• Under the Aurora College Act, the Aurora College Board of Governors is responsible for operational decisions regarding the College.
• The GNWT remains responsible for ensuring residents have access to high-quality programs that support education, employment, and training.

Related Links:

• Aurora College Website