Workplace Education Initiative Builds Leadership Skills

Twenty-seven managers and supervisors from a dozen companies learned how to work more efficiently by communicating better with staff through jobsHere training delivered by the province

The 40-hour program, delivered between April and June, was jointly organized with the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium, a not-for-profit that helps member companies become more competitive, more profitable and better managed. The companies matched the provincial $20,658 investment with in-kind donations.

"Being competitive means a lot more than delivering a product or service at the lowest price. It means working smarter and keeping the lines of communication open," said Minister of Labour and Advanced Education Marilyn More. "jobsHere is helping these companies make Nova Scotia a great place to invest, work and prosper."

Business leaders agree the course is a valuable resource for employers.

"The training gave me a new perspective on communication in the workplace. There is no doubt in my mind that our entire staff would benefit immensely from this program,” said Mark Glen of Elmsdale, a lab manager at Biotech Orthotic Design Inc.

Other participating companies included Transcontinental Print, Vemco/Amirix, Farnell Packaging, Trecan Combustion, Royale Print and Packaging, Advanced Precision, Nautel, Maritime Canvas, Cape Cod/Marwood, Anicom Signs and Trailblazers.

"Essential Skills is the kind of program that Nova Scotia's manufacturers need," said Glenn Durnford of the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium. "Labour and Advanced Education customized the course to meet our needs, making it a truly relevant and valuable program."

Companies and employers who would like to know more about Essential Skills training should visit http://business.novascotia.ca .