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Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
April 5, 2011

The following Statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development

Investments in Workforce Improve Productivity and Competitiveness

There is perhaps no greater investment a business can make in improving its competitiveness and productivity than investing in its workforce.

To support local businesses in bolstering their workforce, we launched the Workplace Skills Enhancement Program in fall 2009. It is a program for small businesses to upgrade the skills of employees to improve their productivity and competitiveness.

Over a relatively short period, the program has experienced tremendous up-take and is achieving its objectives. More importantly, its success reflects the increasing focus that Newfoundland and Labrador’s small businesses place on the continual development of employee knowledge. It is clear our business community recognizes that investing in their workforce is essential to staying competitive in an ever-changing global business environment.

In less than two years, more than $2 million has been approved for small businesses and business development organizations in communities and regions throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. It has led to the creation of more than 50 highly-skilled positions and almost 500 staff upgrading their skills.

In Labrador for example, the program led to personnel in Battle Harbour securing certification to operate passenger vessels; and the Labrador Straits Development Corporation coordinated an advanced jewelry and metalworking course to assist local entrepreneurs acquire new techniques to further strengthen business opportunities for these types of products.

Additionally, in Codroy, Codroy Seafoods is undertaking customized training for more than 40 employees, which will help the company expand to secondary lobster processing; while in Centreville, the program is helping Noble Mouldings introduce on-the-job training for its employees

The Provincial Government is extremely pleased with the interest shown in this program.

As businesses invest in their workforce, it also serves as an important retention tool. Investing in staff development sends the message that employers value their employees and that they play an important role in the long-term viability of the business.

Those that address the issue of training are more likely to succeed in times of economic uncertainty.

On that note, I encourage local businesses to look at our programs and how they can benefit their operations.

2011 04 05 1:55 p.m.

 
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