A new boat manufacturing trades training program being introduced at College of the North Atlantic (CNA) will fill a skills gap in the industry and help local companies to grow. The program is receiving more than $367,000 in support from the Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). Fabian Manning, Member of Parliament for Avalon, made the announcement on July 16 on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of ACOA. “The Government of Canada’s support will enable the College to develop the skilled work force required to launch and sustain a high-end pleasure craft manufacturing industry in the province,” said Manning. “Our continued partnership with College of the North Atlantic allows this institution to further expand its training capabilities and successfully market the school to key clients.” The college has had considerable discussions and consultations with key industry representatives in the province to ensure the proposed program meets current needs and addresses labour shortages in all boat yards throughout the province. The training program will consist of one-year in-classroom training at the CNA Campus in Seal Cove, followed by two years of on-site training at boat yards throughout the province. “We are very excited to be moving forward with this new area of training, which will support the development and diversification of the local boat building industry,” said Jean Madill, president of CNA. “The college has worked closely with the provincial boat building sector to assess the need in developing the appropriate training program.” Through the assessment process skills gaps were identified that are needed to help companies reach their full potential, both from the perspective of manufacturing and exporting pleasure craft. ACOA’s support for this project is through the Innovative Communities Fund, which focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in rural communities. Information Session Schedule: WEEK OF AUGUST 11-15th (7:00 - 8:00 p.m.) Aug. 11th – CNA St. John’s, Prince Philip Dr. Campus Aug. 12th – CNA Seal Cove Campus Aug. 13th – CNA Clarenville Campus Aug. 14th – Glovertown, Glovertown FireHall Aug. 15th – Fogo Island, Fogo Island Dev. Assoc. WEEK OF AUGUST 18-22nd (7:00 - 8:00 p.m.) Aug. 18th – CNA Stephenville, Bay St. George Campus, L.A. Bown building Aug. 19th – CNA Port aux Basques Campus Aug. 20th – CNA Corner Brook Campus Aug. 21st – Kings Point, Kings Point Recreation Centre WEEK OF AUGUST 25-29th (7:00 - 8:00 p.m.) Aug. 25th – CNA St. Anthony Campus Aug. 26th – CNA Happy Valley Goose Bay Campus Aug. 28th – CNA Burin Campus -30- For more information please contact: Doug Burgess Director, Public Affairs Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency 709-772-2935 Stephen Lee Manager of Marketing and Communications College of the North Atlantic 709- 643-7721 stephen.lee@cna.nl.ca