Released on November 22, 2006
As part of the Province's $52.6 million training announcement, another 650 citizens in northern Saskatchewan will have an opportunity to receive the training they need.In total, 2,584 new opportunities have been created in Saskatchewan.
"The Government of Saskatchewan is delivering on its promise to expand training opportunities to meet the demands of our province's vibrant and growing industries and businesses," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "These opportunities provide young people in every corner of the province with an even brighter future – and more opportunities to learn, grow and prosper right here at home."
The total training investment in northern Saskatchewan is $4.5 million and will provide for training opportunities in the following programs this year (with 10-20 training opportunities per program):
• Basic Education: 12 programs in various locations including Pelican Narrows, Deschambault, Sandy Bay, Turnor Lake, Jans Bay/Cole Bay, Stony Rapids, Weyakwin, Grandmothers Bay and Hall Lake;
• Academic Prep – Practical Nursing: 1 program in Pelican Narrows;
• Trades Preparation: 1 program in La Loche;
• Truck Driver Training: 3 programs in Creighton, Buffalo Narrows and La Ronge;
• Heavy Equipment Operator: 4 to 6 programs in Pinehouse, Southend and at least one in each of the Western, Eastern, Central and Athabasca regions;
• Diamond Drill Helper: 5 programs in Northern bush camp (location dependent on industry);
• Diamond Drill/Oil Field Safety: 9 programs in various locations in the Athabasca, Central and Eastern regions;
• Oil Field Safety: 3 programs in La Loche and Canoe Lake;
• Mineral Exploration: 3 programs in northern mine sites;
• Underground Mining: 1 program in McArthur River; and
• Slasher Certification: 4 programs in La Loche and Dillon, other locations to be determined.
"By providing 650 training opportunities in the Northern region, including trades, health care and adult basic education, we're creating the opportunities our young people need where they need them," Advanced Education and Employment Minister Pat Atkinson said. "We're drawing a direct path between the learner and the job, and creating the training opportunities necessary to bring the two together."
"Northlands College works closely with business, labour and government in helping build the economy of northern Saskatchewan," Northlands College CEO Bill McLaughlin said. "The northern economy continues to grow and with that growth comes an increase in employment opportunities and an ever-increasing need for a larger skilled labour force. This new investment will contribute directly to the development of a skilled northern labour force to address current and emerging demand.
The $52.6 million total represents the greatest investment in training in the Province's history.
-30-
For More Information, Contact:
| Christopher Jones-Bonk Advanced Education and Employment Regina Phone: 306-798-3106 | Bill McLaughlin Northlands College Air Ronge Phone: 306-425-4273 |