Province Invests in Boatbuilders

Published by the Premier's Office

Friday, July 6, 2012

The province is helping to create the next generation of boatbuilders and protect good jobs in rural Nova Scotia. Premier Darrell Dexter announced more than $460,000 for the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association to attract and train young workers and support apprentices.

Quotes

This investment is about better jobs for young people in coastal communities, and new opportunities for the kids in school. Ships Start Here captured Nova Scotians' pride in this province's shipbuilding tradition. This new training will help ensure boatbuilders have the skills they need for a great future. It helps create an even better Nova Scotia workforce. Premier Darrell Dexter

These are good jobs located mainly in coastal and rural Nova Scotia communities. With the world changing so quickly, it can be hard to keep up with new technology, especially if you're a small boat shop without a lot of extra resources for training. This funding will go a long way towards ensuring boatbuilders in Nova Scotia can remain competitive, continue to attract international business, and bring new boatbuilders into the industry. Tim Edwards, executive director, Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association

The opportunity to work on the Bluenose II is the highlight of my career so far. "The Nova Scotia Boatbuilder Association has played a central role in my coming to Nova Scotia to become a boatbuilder, and I appreciate the provincial funding and what it has done to make the boat builder apprenticeship program available and affordable for me. Bo Chambers, second-year apprentice, Covey Island Boatworks

Quick Facts

  • The Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association will also use the funding to develop a new trade, marine service technician, to train people to service, repair, refit and upgrade marine vessels.
  • The investment, part of the province's jobsHere workforce strategy, is already making a difference across the province.
  • People already benefitting include:
    • 29 boatbuilder apprentices in 16 shipyards working to become certified boatbuilders
    • 105 certified boatbuilders who will have help with new technology to keep their skills up-to-date
    • 50 boatbuilders who have accessed training to become certified composite boatbuilders and marine electricians
  • The Nova Scotia Boatbuilder Association represents the interests of more than 80 boatbuilder organizations and related industry partners.
  • The association's main goal is to support growth and diversification in its industry, including the administration of the Nova Scotia Boatbuilder Apprenticeship Program.
  • Growing Nova Scotia's workforce in numbers and skills is a key initiative of the province's workforce strategy.

Learn More

Media Contacts

Jennifer Stewart
Premier's Office
902-424-0007
Cell: 497-7198
E-mail:
Pam Menchenton
Labour and Advanced Education
902-424-0011
Cell: 902-719-4950
E-mail:

Images

Premier Darrell Dexter announces more than $460,000 for the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association to attract and train young workers and support apprentices.
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Premier Darrell Dexter on the deck Bluenose II, which is getting an extensive refit.
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Premier Darrell Dexter waves from the deck Bluenose II, which is getting an extensive refit.
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Premier Darrell Dexter shakes hands while chatting with staff at Lunenburg Shipyard.
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Premier Darrell Dexter talks about the more than $460,000 investment by the province which will help develop a new trade, marine service technician, to train people to service, repair, refit and upgrade marine vessels.
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Premier Darrell Dexter says the more than $460,000 investment is "about better jobs for young people in coastal communities, and new opportunities for the kids in school."
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Premier Darrell Dexter looks up after examining the renovation plans for the Bluenose II during a tour of the famous ship, after the investment announcement.
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Videos

Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Announcement
Tim Edwards speak about the boatbuilders funding
Peter Kinley, speaks at the announcement in Lunenburg
Robby MacCallum speaks at the NS Boatbuilders Announcement
Bo Chambers, boatbuilder apprentice

Audio

Premier Darrell Dexter says the investment is about better jobs for young people in coastal communities
He says more than $460, 000 is being invested to prepare the next generation of boatbuilders.
Tim Edwards, executive director, Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association, is pleased with the support from the province.
Bo Chambers, a second -year boatbuilder apprentice and one of 29 registered apprentices in the Nova Scotia, says the program has helped his career.