Students to Benefit From Oceans Technology Equipment

Students are getting access to exciting, world-class oceans equipment, technology and training to help them prepare for the high-paying, high-tech jobs that are coming to Nova Scotia.

The federal shipbuilding contracts alone will provide about 11,500 jobs and work for the next 30 years when the project hits its stride. Many of those jobs will be in the oceans technology field and the province is getting Nova Scotians ready to take advantage of the upcoming opportunities.

"The province believes in investing in people, in education, training and skills for good jobs," said Premier Darrell Dexter. "Our province has become a centre of excellence for thriving industries like oceans technology.

"We are taking an active role in making sure young people know about the thousands of good jobs available now and in the future, and that they have access to the support and training needed to prepare for those opportunities."

Premier Dexter met with Nova Scotia Community College students and instructors in Port Hawkesbury, today, Feb. 26, and announced an $800,000 investment that will strengthen marine programming by providing new simulators and training aids, as well as safety equipment at Nova Scotia Community College's (NSCC) Nautical Institute and School of Fisheries.

"We have access to amazing equipment and technology here," said Bo Mitton, an NSCC marine navigation technology student. "There are not many places like it in the country. As a student here, I have access to training that puts me on the deck of a ship without ever leaving the walls of the campus."

Through the Nautical Institute, NSCC is already home to several unique simulators that give marine navigation technology and marine engineering technology students a chance to experience what it is like to be at sea.

"The college will also be able to explore the addition of new technology that would enhance oceans-related studies and research," said Bruce Tawse, NSCC vice-president, Academic. "For example, the addition of enhanced hydrographic mapping technology in our Marine Geomatics program, offered at our Centre of Geographic Sciences in Lawrencetown, will ensure that we continue to provide leading edge training for our students."

"Through jobsHere, the province's plan to grow the economy, we are committed to helping people learn the right skills for good jobs," said Premier Dexter. "Today's announcement is proof that our plan is working."