Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
April 7, 2010Deer Lake
Manufacturer Building Skilled Work Force
Deer Lake metal fabricator, Blackwood
Contractors, is receiving assistance from the Provincial Government to address
its skilled labour shortage. The $27,040 investment, through the Workplace
Skills Enhancement Program, will better enable the company to complete
multi-phase contracts and expand its operations.
"Blackwood Contractors has completed a series of industrial projects in recent
years for the Deer Lake Regional Airport, Duck Pond mining operation, and Hodder
Memorial Centre," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation,
Trade and Rural Development. "To better compete for future contracts and
complete existing orders, it requires sheet metal assembly and installation
employees that are in high demand. Through the Workplace Skills Enhancement
Program, we are able to support the company to recruit and train individuals for
these positions and ultimately strengthen their operations."
Metal fabrication is a highly technical field requiring a specialized employee
base. The company is creating two new positions in sheet metal assembly and
installation and is providing in-house expertise to train the new employees in
these areas. After the one-year training period, the employees will be
integrated with permanent staff, increasing the company's potential for securing
new contracts in the oil and gas, mineral, transportation and service sectors.
"Equipment upgrades in our sheet metal shop require employees with advanced and
specific training," said Patricia Wellon, Co-owner, Blackwood Contractors.
"Advancing our company with the latest technology and a highly trained workforce
is in our best interest as it will increase our ability to land future
contracts."
Incorporated in 1984, Blackwood Contractors was initially engaged in commercial
and residential plumbing and heating contracts but expanded its operations to
include the design, production, and installation of a full range of heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning systems. The company has developed a niche for
managing larger scale projects in the commercial, industrial, and institutional
markets and has gained a reputation for excellent work.
"I encourage company owners to consider the benefits of the Workplace Skills
Enhancement Program — a program designed to bring lasting and practical skills
enhancements to local companies," said Darryl Kelly, MHA, Humber Valley. "The
program not only brings direct employment benefits to individuals, it empowers
companies to address specific employment needs and improve long-term
operations."
This initiative was funded through the Workplace Skills Enhancement Program.
Administered by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, this
program helps small and medium-sized enterprises in strategic sectors acquire
and increase the skills of employees to enhance productivity and global
competitiveness. It is funded by the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Market
Agreement and the Strategic Training and Transition Fund.
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2010 04 07
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