PRAIRIE WEST COLLEGE REGION TO RECEIVE 144 TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Released on November 22, 2006

As part of the Province's $52.6 million training announcement, another 144 citizens in the Prairie West Regional College region 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 the West-Central region is worth $451,800, which will provide for the following:

• A new 14 seat Licensed Practical Nursing Program in Biggar;

• New equipment to provide 100 Safety Training opportunities to support the energy sector in the Kindersley region;

• A 10 seat Production Line Welding program in Warman; and

• Bridging to Employment or further training for up to 20 learners in Rosetown.

"From oilfield training in western Saskatchewan to diamond driller training in the north, 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."

"Prairie West Regional College is pleased to work with business, labour, and government to build our regional economy," Prairie West College CEO Bruce Probert said. "Our region has seen a major increase in oil and gas activity, and a high need for skilled trades people and health care workers. This significant investment allows us to respond to labour market needs by providing our employers with the workers they need to grow."

The $52.6 million total represents the greatest investment in training in the Province's history.

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For More Information, Contact:

Christopher Jones-Bonk Advanced Education and Employment Regina Phone: 306-798-3106

Bruce Probert Prairie West Regional College Biggar Phone: 306-948-3363