Occupational Certification is a process to help both the employer and the worker with this problem. The Government of the Northwest Territories, through the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is encouraging the various industries in the Northwest Territories to pursue Northern Excellence. This can be achieved by having the occupations important to industry designated under the Apprenticeship and Occupations Certification Act. A designated occupation is a job for which performance standards have been set by the industry. These standards set out all the knowledge, skills and attitudes a person must have to be considered competent in their occupation.
Training is developed based on the performance standards set by industry.
Trainees who successfully finish training and achieve the industry's performance standard are awarded a Northwest Territories Certificate of Competence. The Certificate of Competence is an industry-recognized accomplishment. Training is related to the industry need. Designation of an Occupation begins with a formal request in writing to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Once all the occupational standards, training plans and certification requirements are outlined, the process is formalized by the Apprenticeship Trade, and Occupations Certification Board.