Education
Human Resources, Labour and Employment
September 16, 2009Minister 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."
- 30 -
Media contacts:
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 |