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Innovation, Business and Rural Development
December 28, 2012

Workplace Skills Enhancement Program Strengthens Businesses and the Economy

The Provincial Government invested in excess of $1.8 million in over 64 separate projects in 2012 through the Workplace Skills Enhancement Program. This leveraged an additional $1 million that supported the training and skills development of more than 750 people from over 90 companies throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Investing in human resources contributes to business and economic growth,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. “The Provincial Government designed and implemented the Workplace Skills Enhancement Program to create an environment that encourages greater investments in skill development. The program is generating results and increasing productivity, allowing enterprises to be competitive in the global marketplace.”

The program focuses on business retention and expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises, provides extensive support to existing employees through skills development initiatives, and assists with the recruitment of skilled employees.

“The sectors that have benefited from this program reflect our rich and diverse economy,” said Minister Hutchings. “Companies and industries including aquaculture, agriculture, life sciences, and manufacturing have become more competitive because of workforce improvements. As a government, we remain committed to working collaboratively with business and industry organizations to address their needs. When they grow and succeed, we all succeed.”

Since implementation in 2009, the Provincial Government has contributed over $7.1 million thought the Workplace Skills Enhancement Program. This overall investment has leveraged an additional $4.5 million from other sources and assisted with the training of approximately 2,230 people from over 265 businesses and organizations, in all regions of the province.

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Media contact:
Diana Quinton
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 631-8155
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca

2012 12 28                               1:45 p.m.

 
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