Province Invests $1.5 Million for Sector Skills Employment Training

With an investment of $1.5 million from the federal-provincial Labour Market Agreement, the Sector Skills program will provide training and work experience to individuals who are helping to meet Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing labour demand. The innovative employment program was launched this morning at College of the North Atlantic Prince Philip Drive Campus in St. John’s.

“Sector Skills is preparing women and men for specific jobs in sectors where there is a demonstrated demand,” said the Honourable Joan Shea, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills. “With historic opportunities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and an investment of $1.5 million, this unique program will help employers meet their need for workers and provide individuals with valuable training and work experience to secure a job.”

Offered by College of the North Atlantic in St. John’s, Carbonear, Clarenville, Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, Corner Brook, and Stephenville, the 12-week program will provide a combination of in-class training and on-the-job experience.

“Sector Skills represents a unique partnership between College of the North Atlantic, the Provincial Government and employers,” said Ann Marie Vaughan, President and Chief Executive Officer, College of the North Atlantic. “We are excited to deliver a program at our campuses that will help individuals improve employment prospects and deliver a potential workforce to meet the needs of employers.”

Participants will receive training and work experience in such sectors as: retail sales, food services and building maintenance. Program graduates will receive a certificate of completion, as well as certifications for Standard First Aid, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHIMS), and Back Injury Prevention.

“The Sector Skills program is one of many tools employers in this province can use to meet the labour market shortages in several industries,” said Nancy Healey, Chief Executive Officer, St. John's Board of Trade. “It is an example of how the Provincial Government and College of the North Atlantic are working side-by-side with industry to help employers and individuals overcome challenges and maximize opportunities.”

For additional information, including eligibility criteria, please see backgrounder.

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BACKGOUNDER
Sector Skills Training Program

To be eligible for Sector Skills training, a person must be a permanent resident of Newfoundland and Labrador and meet as many of the following criteria as possible:

• Be currently in receipt of Income Support or assessed as having a barrier to employment and have;
• Completed Grade 9 education or equivalent;
• Have not completed any formal post-secondary education within the past five years.

The Department of Advanced Education and Skills will select candidates for the Sector Skills program who will then be assessed by the training provider. Employers will be given the opportunity to provide guidance on criteria to be used in candidate selection. Participants then engage in training to increase essential workplace skills and practical on-the-job training to enable the transition to entry-level job placement.

Once candidates have secured employment, they will maintain close contact with the department to ensure continued growth and skills enhancement.

For further information on the Sector Skills training program and additional services provided by the Department of Advanced Education and Skills, visit www.aes.gov.nl.ca, call toll-free at 1-800-563-6600 or TTY: 1-866-729-4685, or visit the nearest employment centre: www.aes.gov.nl.ca/career/cwc.html.

2013 07 31                            11:00 a.m.