The Provincial Government has announced a $1.3 million training initiative for workers impacted by the closure of Kiewit Offshore Services in Marystown. The funding will be provided to the College of the North Atlantic Burin Campus to deliver training for Unifor Local 20 members impacted by the closure. This funding is provided by the Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement. Training will be provided in phases and focus on priority areas identified by Unifor Local 20, in collaboration with the Provincial Government. The first phase will include Industrial Safety Passport and Welding Enhancement training. Quotes “This training initiative reflects the Provincial Government’s commitment to support a skilled workforce and will help Unifor Local 20 members enhance their skills and secure employment.” Honourable Gerry Byrne Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour “This announcement supports our government’s commitments in The Way Forward to support economic development and private sector job creation. With this initiative, we are providing workers the opportunity to enhance their skills to help them pursue new employment opportunities on the Burin Peninsula.” Mark Browne Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier and MHA for Placentia West-Bellevue “This is another example of how our government is responding to the needs of people in this region. At the same time we are trying stimulate new business activity in this area, we are also ensuring people get the training they need so their skills will match well with emerging opportunities.” Carol Anne Haley MHA for Burin-Grand Bank “The College of the North Atlantic is well positioned to respond to labour demands throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. We are pleased to offer this training program that will make a positive difference in the lives of workers in this region.” Elizabeth Kidd President and CEO of College of the North Atlantic (Interim) Learn more Employment Services - www.aesl.gov.nl.ca/empservices/ Media contacts Ryan Crocker Advanced Education, Skills and Labour 709-729-1795, 725-9595 RyanCrocker@gov.nl.ca Nathan Downey Government Members Office 709-729-3226 NathanDowney@gov.nl.ca Heidi Staeben-Simmons College of the North Atlantic 709-643-7817 heidi.staebensimmons@cna.nl.ca