New Equipment Helps Prepare Apprentices for Good Jobs
Apprentices are getting access to state-of-the-art labs and training equipment to help them prepare for the extraordinary job opportunities that are coming to Nova Scotia.
"Nova Scotians are facing unprecedented opportunities with the federal shipbuilding contracts, Muskrat Falls and the Maritime Link, and more than a billion dollars in new investment in our offshore," said Finance Minister Maureen MacDonald, on behalf of Frank Corbett, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education. "These projects are going to need skilled workers, so it's important to invest in people - in education, training and skills for the good jobs that will come with these major projects."
The province announced $615,000 in training equipment to be used by Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) to support apprenticeship program delivery at an event today, March 22, at the NSCC Institute of Technology Campus.
Welders, construction and industrial electricians, and automotive technicians are just some of the trades that will benefit from the new training equipment.
"Investments in the equipment we use in our labs everyday make us that much better prepared when we are out on the job," said Tom Wiley, machinist apprentice at NSCC's IT Campus. "It is not only good for the college and students, it's great for the employers who hire us."
Equipment includes welding simulators, automotive training aids, laser alignment technology, electrical systems trainers and state-of-the-art labs. Most of the equipment and training aids will be mobile so apprentices and employers can take advantage of this equipment closer to their work site.
"The college's mission is to help build our province's economy and quality of life through education and innovation," said NSCC president Don Bureaux. "Provincial funds like this investment support our work, we are helping to equip the economy with a skilled workforce that will be needed to fill the jobs in the many opportunities emerging in Nova Scotia."
Glenn Cutting, service shop foreman and mentor at Clayton Park Canadian Tire, said today's provincial investment in preparing the province's future workforce is paramount in meeting trades training mandates into the future.
"The funding towards the new equipment will help keep the Nova Scotia Community College updated with the latest technologies and training techniques," said Mr. Cutting.
The province is in the final stage of reviewing the apprenticeship system to help ensure apprentices are getting the best training possible. Strengthening Nova Scotia's apprenticeship system is a priority of the jobsHere strategy.
"Through jobsHere, the province's plan to grow the economy, we are committed to helping people learn the right skills for good jobs," said Ms. MacDonald. "Today's investment is a fine example that our plan is working."