News Article

Grand Falls-Windsor Campus gets new Skilled Trades Suite


7/28/2011 12:07:20 PM


The Grand Falls-Windsor College of the North Atlantic campus opened its doors to special guests today to celebrate the official opening of a new industrial trades suite which will allow the campus to offer skilled trades programming, beginning in September of this year.

“This is an excellent example of a relevant, strategic investment in education which has allowed for the expansion of skilled trades training in the central region of the province,” said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education. “As a government, we have invested heavily in skilled trades programming over the past several years. The result has been a 46 per cent increase in the number of seats in skilled trades programs at College of the North Atlantic, a 74 per cent increase in the number of registered apprentices in the province, and a 74 per cent increase in certified journeypersons.

“We recognize we still have work to do in moving our apprentices through their training and, in partnership with industry, connecting them to the workforce in a timely manner,” Minister Burke added. “We have, however, made tremendous strides in producing skilled workers to meet the present and future demands of our growing economy.”

The $5.5 million industrial trades suite was funded through the Provincial and Federal Governments, with the province contributing $2.75 million – $1.375 million from the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development’s Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund and $1.375 million through College of the North Atlantic – and $2.75 million from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. The 12,600 square foot facility features two multi-function skilled trades shops. The building also houses a multi-function classroom and multi-media centre, which can be used to provide training for construction managers, contractors and supervisors.

“This new industrial trades facility has the potential to make Grand Falls-Windsor and the central region a focal point for skill development and training,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. “It will better position the province to meet rising labour market demands, attract and train a highly-skilled workforce, and support the Provincial Government’s objective of providing new employment and business opportunities in the region.”

In 2006, the Provincial Government established the Skills Task Force, which has worked in partnership with post-secondary institutions, industry, and labour – through an Industry Co-ordinating Committee – to develop the province’s skilled workforce. More information on Provincial Government investment in initiatives to address labour demands can be viewed in the backgrounder below.

“The extension to our existing campus facility will greatly improve our ability to offer skilled trades programs in the region,” said Bruce Hollett, Interim President of College of the North Atlantic. “It has been well-publicized that the province will have a shortage of skilled trades workers in the near future. Working with our partners in the Provincial Government, and understanding the needs of industry, has brought this extension to the Grand Falls-Windsor campus. This is a very significant day for the campus, and the college in general.”

Beginning in September 2011, the college campus will offer two programs in the new facility. The Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Trades Program is designed for learners who want to improve their employability skills or who are lacking the academic courses or required grades to enter a College of the North Atlantic industrial trades program. The second program, a two-year Renovation Technician diploma, focuses on developing skills specific to commercial and residential renovations.

“The Provincial Government’s Labour Market Outlook 2020, released earlier this month, indicates that job openings among carpenters and cabinet makers are expected to grow over the coming years,” Minister Burke noted. “Access to training programs, such as this new offering at College of the North Atlantic, is an example of the critical measures needed to ensure we can meet future labour demands.”

Information on Provincial Government apprenticeship programs can be viewed at: www.ed.gov.nl.ca/app/. For more information on the Skills Task Force, see: www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/postsecondary/skillstaskforce/index.html.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca

Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca

Roger Hulan
Communications Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
709-643-7938
Roger.Hulan@cna.nl.ca