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Education
Human Resources, Labour and Employment
September 16, 2009

Minister Outlines Increases in Learning Opportunities

Expanded and new program offerings will soon be available at College of the North Atlantic campuses and the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland. In total, 17 programs are being made available to help unemployed and under-employed workers gain valuable skills training. The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education, was at the College of the North Atlantic (CNA) campus today in Burin to provide details.

"Skilled development is a key area for labour market demand and government recognizes the need to help individuals pursue post-secondary education and make a successful transition to the labour market," said Minister King. "Programs at the college and Marine Institute respond directly to serving the needs of the labour market. Our government is ensuring these programs are more accessible to more people, as well as being affordable and of the highest quality."

The programs range in length from 1.5 weeks to one year, and are a direct response to existing waitlists, high demand occupations, displaced workers and strategic growth sectors. Some programs are expansions to existing programs, some are new offerings for a specific campus, while others are brand new programs. Certificate and diploma programs are offered, while at the same time shorter, outreach programs such as Skills4Discovery and Youth Exploring Trades allow individuals the opportunity to explore a career in skilled trades and determine if they want further post-secondary education.

"The Williams Government is actively expanding the suite of programs and services available to underemployed and unemployed individuals across the province," added the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "The education and training expansions announced today will help build the skilled labour force this province will need to meet the demand we anticipate in the coming years." 

"The college has always been tied to the socio-economic well-being of the province," said President of CNA, Jean Madill. "And while the province remains a leader in economic growth in Canada there are sectors that have been affected by the global economy. By offering these 17 programs at various campus locations, we are providing individuals with an opportunity to train close to home and invest in their community�s future."

"The Marine Institute is pleased to make these extra programs available in rural communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador," said Glenn Blackwood, Executive Director, Marine Institute. "This expansion will allow more rural students to enter into programs such as seafood processing and bridge watch, while having increased access to programs that allow them to reach their academic, professional and personal goals."

Expanded and new program offerings are being funded through a new federal/provincial labour market agreement and a new Strategic Training and Transition Fund. Programs begin throughout the fall and winter, with openings in all 17 programs. For more information, contact your local campus, or visit www.cna.nl.ca.

In addition, the Provincial Government has made significant investments in many areas of skills development in recent years. Between 2006 and 2008, $53.8 million was allocated in the areas of apprenticeship, science and technology, programming, training and infrastructure. These investments have helped implement many of the recommendations stemming from the Skills Task Force report.

"We continue to use the Skills Task Force report as a guide to build a successful workforce," said Minister King. "With the knowledge obtained in these programs, individuals who were previously under or unemployed will have the skills to obtain meaningful, long-term employment."

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Media contacts:

Jacquelyn Howard
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca

 

Jennifer Collingwood
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
709-729-0753, 690-2498
jennifercollingwood@gov.nl.ca
Roger Hulan
Communications Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
709-643-7938
roger.hulan@cna.nl.ca 
Darcy MacRae
Public Relations/Communications Officer
Fisheries and Marine Institute
709-778-0677, 690-2498
Darcy.MacRae@minmun.ca

 

BACKGROUNDER
New Opportunities Provided for Individuals to Explore Skilled Trades

The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Agreement (LMA), first announced in September 2008, is providing more than $46 million in federal funds over six years into the province�s labour market. This funding is intended to help address the growing need for individuals to obtain higher levels of education.

Additionally, the recent federal budget included funding to assist those affected by the current economic downturn. Through the Strategic Training and Transition Fund (STTF), $14.4 million has been added to the LMA over the next two years to respond to those needs.

The following are new program offerings, expansions to existing programs or new offerings at a specific campus:

Industrial Sewing Burin
Custodial Service Burin
Industrial Safety Passport Burin, Grand Falls-Windsor
Personal Care Attendant/Home Support Worker St. Anthony
Computerized Office Administrator Refresher Prince Philip Drive
Bus Driver Training Bay St. George
Agricultural Training Bay St. George
Marine Front Line Hospitality Training Port aux Basques, Bay St. George
Seafood Processing Training Burin, St. Anthony
Construction Craft Worker Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Baie Verte
Bridge Watch Port aux Basques, Grand Falls-Windsor
Comprehensive Arts and Science Bay St. George, Prince Philip Drive, Grand Falls-Windsor, Corner Brook
Licensed Practical Nurse Burin
Skills4Discovery: An Essential Skills Enhancement and Career Exploration Program Corner Brook, Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor
Youth Exploring Trades Bonavista
Tourism-Related Training St. Anthony
Front Line Hospitality Worker Baie Verte

2009 09 16                                                       10:10 a.m.
 


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