Innovation, Trade and Rural
Development
October 29, 2009
New
Provincial Program Helps Advance Competitiveness of
Businesses
The Honourable Shawn
Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural
Development, today announced the commencement of a $2.2
million Workplace Skills Enhancement Program.
Through its
implementation, the new program supports the business
retention and expansion of small and medium-sized
enterprises by supporting the skills development of
existing employees and the recruitment of skilled
employees.
�As part of government�s
commitment to enhancing the province�s business
environment, we are continuously collaborating with
industry and labour organizations, community groups, and
the business community,� said Minister Skinner. �In
response to this dialogue, we are initiating a program
that helps address labour market conditions and provide
support tools for local businesses as they explore
avenues to maximize productivity, improve workforce
training options, and attract new employees. The
Workplace Skills Enhancement Program is an important
step in advancing the interests of small and
medium-sized enterprises and their competitiveness.�
Under the Workplace
Skills Enhancement Program, skills development
initiatives will focus on occupational- and
workplace-specific training, industry-recognized
certification, and other essential skills needed to
remain competitive and promote new growth. It
additionally includes a wage subsidy component that
enables employers to target new highly-skilled positions
or those vacancies that are difficult to fill.
�Small and medium-sized
enterprises are at the heart of the province�s vibrant
business community,� said Minister Skinner. �Across a
wide range of traditional and knowledge-based industries
such as agrifoods, crafts, advanced manufacturing, and
ocean technology, local businesses are developing
products and services with international market
potential. Our toolbox of business development programs
� strengthened with the addition of the Workplace Skills
Enhancement Program � supports their continued
advancement and ability to target new opportunities.�
The Workplace Skills
Enhancement Program is funded through the
Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Agreement
(LMA) and the Strategic Training and Transition Fund (STTF).
"Practical on-the-job
training is the best way for workers to learn or upgrade
many of the skills they need,� said Bill Stirling, vice
president of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters,
Newfoundland and Labrador. �This new program will help
companies provide their workers with those training
opportunities and will also help deal with issues of
recruitment and retention of skilled workers. It is a
great example of a 'made in Newfoundland and Labrador'
solution to a local labour market issue."
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Media contacts:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural
Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca |
Bill Stirling
Vice President
Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters,
Newfoundland and Labrador
709-772-3227
Bill.Stirling@cme-mec.ca |
2009 10 29
11:20 a.m.
|