Former Bowater Employees Benefit from Trades Information Sessions

Former employees of Bowater Mersey are getting more support to help retrain for good jobs in their community.

Workers from the paper mill and the Oakhill sawmill will be exploring Nova Scotia Communuity College (NSCC) trades courses, speaking to prospective employers and learning about other opportunities to upgrade their skills as part of two Trades Information Days in Bridgewater and Liverpool, Nov. 28 and Nov. 29.

"This a great opportunity for former workers who are still deciding about their next steps to talk to employers, such as Irving, and get additional information on college programs and training," said Queens MLA Vicki Conrad on behalf of Marilyn More, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education.

"These are hardworking men and women who deserve every opportunity we can give them to help them get back in the workforce as soon as possible.

Stephen Anthony, who worked 25 years at the Bowater paper mill as a papermaker, an oiler in the mechanical department and finally as a transportation worker, said the sessions will give him and others good information on jobs that will be in demand in the future.

"I am definitely looking forward to meeting with the employers and understanding what jobs are out there now, six months from now and a year from now.

"It is important to know what employers are looking for and I think this trade show will help put me in a good position to know what is available and what I need to do to get a job with a future."

The information days are being hosted by the Career Resource Centres in Bridgewater and in Liverpool.

Employment Solutions, Bridgewater, Wednesday, Nov. 28 The day includes:

• a tour of the NSCC Lunenburg Campus
• opportunities to meet with employers
• information sessions with apprenticeship, Employment Nova Scotia and adult education representatives
• information on the 12-week Workplace Skills Program beginning in January
• presentation on the START Program for Employers

South Shore Opportunities, Liverpool, Thursday, November 29th The day includes:

• visits with NSCC instructors from various trades and campuses
• discussion on entrepreneurship and financial aid
• information sessions with apprenticeship, Employment Nova Scotia and adult education representatives
• information on apprenticeship
• barbecue.

"We are pleased to play a part in hosting Trade Information Days," said Craig Collins, principal of Nova Scotia Community College's Lunenburg campus. "Showcasing the many opportunities the government, college and partners have to offer to help someone grow and enhance their skills within the trades sector is a great way to open the door to the potential within our community."

There will also be a series of safety training courses offered over the next two weeks at South Shore Opportunities in Liverpool. Similar training will be offered in Bridgewater in December.