N.L. invests $1.5 million in employment training

12-week program combines in-class training, on-the-job experience

With an investment of $1.5 million from the federal-provincial Labour Market Agreement, the government of Newfoundland and Labrador is launching a Sector Skills program that will provide training and work experience to individuals.

“Sector Skills is preparing women and men for specific jobs in sectors where there is a demonstrated demand,” said Joan Shea, minister of advanced education and skills. “With historic opportunities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and an investment of $1.5 million, this unique program will help employers meet their need for workers and provide individuals with valuable training and work experience to secure a job.”

Offered by College of the North Atlantic at various locations, the 12-week program will provide a combination of in-class training and on-the-job experience.

Participants will receive training and work experience in sectors such as retail sales, food services and building maintenance. Program graduates will receive a certificate of completion, as well as certifications for Standard First Aid, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHIMS) and Back Injury Prevention.

“The Sector Skills program is one of many tools employers in this province can use to meet the labour market shortages in several industries,” said Nancy Healey, CEO of the St. John's Board of Trade. “It is an example of how the provincial government and College of the North Atlantic are working side-by-side with industry to help employers and individuals overcome challenges and maximize opportunities.”

To be eligible for the training, a person must be a permanent resident of Newfoundland and Labrador and meet as many of the following criteria as possible:

•Be currently in receipt of income support or assessed as having a barrier to employment,

•Have completed Grade 9 education or equivalent.

•Have not completed any formal post-secondary education within the past five years.

The Department of Advanced Education and Skills will select candidates for the Sector Skills program who will then be assessed by the training provider. Employers will be given the opportunity to provide guidance on criteria to be used in candidate selection, said the government. Participants then engage in training to increase essential workplace skills and practical on-the-job training to enable the transition to entry-level job placement.

Once candidates have secured employment, they will maintain close contact with the department to ensure continued growth and skills enhancement.

Latest stories