The Provincial Government is partnering with the Random North Development Association, Newfoundland and Labrador Vegetation Control Limited and College of the North Atlantic to create 14 new employment opportunities for workers affected by the closure of the AbitibiBowater mill in Grand Falls-Windsor.

These opportunities have been developed through the association�s Bridging the Gap program. This innovative program creates partnerships with rural businesses that have potential for employment growth. Then, unemployed individuals are sought out to learn roles in these businesses, thus helping them bridge a skills/experience gap that is preventing them from participating in a new field.

"By forging strong and continuous community-level partnerships, we will move forward to address the current situation in central Newfoundland and create new success stories for the region," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "Programs like Bridging the Gap will help us achieve this by identifying opportunities for employment growth and then providing training programs that will help people capitalize on those opportunities. The Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment is pleased to make an initial contribution of $52,000 to this important partnership."

Individuals involved with Bridging the Gap engage in job-specific training and personal development, facilitated by a post-secondary institution. The ultimate goal is to produce workers who have new skill sets and can seek new forms of employment. This training is followed with the provision of employment supports aimed at helping participants maintain their employment and advance in their new jobs.

The Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade, and Rural Development and lead of the Ministerial Task Force, also offered his full support of this initiative.

"This marks a positive step in the diversification and strengthening of the local economy," said Minister Skinner. "This tremendous opportunity enables experienced workers in one area of the forestry sector to become employable in another area that enhances forest resources and benefits the community and region."

Through this initiative, Newfoundland and Labrador Vegetation Control Limited, a company based in Springdale, will train 14 displaced AbitibiBowater workers to become vegetation management specialists. This role involves the management and maintenance of trees. Their work may also include tree surgery and care of shrubs and other plants.

Howard Wellman, owner of Newfoundland and Labrador Vegetation Control Ltd., is also looking forward to the partnership.

"I am pleased to be involved in the Bridging the Gap program," commented Mr. Wellman. "Displaced workers in the central region will gain job security from this partnership and I look forward to working again with Random North Development Association."

The Random North Development Association is a community-based organization that exists to improve the livelihood and well-being of all persons living in rural Newfoundland Labrador. It does this by developing the strengths of members and communities; to work with regional organizations to build a viable and independent social and economic base. It has been using the Bridging the Gap model to create new employment opportunities since 1998.

"The Provincial Government�s willingness to partner with our community-based agency and Newfoundland and Labrador Vegetation Control Limited to create this opportunity reflects our government�s commitment to fostering innovative approaches to labour market challenges," said Michelle Brown of the Random North Development Association. "We are very pleased with the support we have received through the Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, and we look forward to developing another successful Bridging the Gap project."

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