March 31, 2005 - St. Andrews, New Brunswick -- A new international trade program was launched today at the New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) in St. Andrews. This program will match students at the College with small- to medium-sized New Brunswick businesses from various sectors, in order to gain export insight in the New England market. "The Government of Canada recognizes that our small and medium enterprises can grow and prosper through export and trade initiatives such as this one," said the Honourable Andy Scott, MP for Fredericton, on behalf of the Honourable Joseph McGuire, Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "We are proud to support this exciting new program, which will provide both students and companies with hands-on experience in international marketing research." "We have always been very proud of the relationship between the College and the business community," said Training and Employment Development Minister Margaret-Ann Blaney. "By working with business, we can recognize the skills and training our students need to become active participants in their field of study. This program also falls in line with our efforts to retain more of our young graduates, by fostering dynamic relationships between students and the participating small- and medium-sized enterprises." Throughout the program, students will work with New Brunswick businesses to help participating companies become export-ready. As part of the program, students will complete a four-week work term in the United States in collaboration with the Centre for Entrepreneurship at the Southern Maine Community College. During this time they will attend a series of business seminars and meetings with American businesses to establish a trade network in that region. At the end of the academic year, the students will be required to submit a comprehensive trade management plan to the company. "This unique training program will provide considerable benefits to both the students and the participating companies," said Lloyd Wilson, Co-ordinator for the International Trade Program at NBCC St. Andrews. "The companies benefit from having in-house exporting expertise available to them, which may very well result in considerable growth. The students of course benefit through working directly with the companies, gaining hands- on experience and practical training in international trade development." The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) has provided a contribution of $96,275 to this important training program through the Atlantic Investment Partnership. The program compliments ACOA's role in supporting small and medium enterprise in trade-related activities that strengthen their international capabilities and assist them to enter international markets. The New Brunswick Community College in St. Andrews currently delivers a new international business program. The program has been designed to provide students with the knowledge and practical skills needed in today's global marketplace. For more information on programs offered by NBCC St. Andrews and other NBCC campuses, visit the website at http://www.nbcc.nb.ca. - 30 - Valérie Poulin Office of the Honourable Joseph McGuire, Minister for ACOA, 613-941-7241; Ann Kenney, Senior Communications Officer, ACOA NB, 506-452-3687; Shawn Hearn, Director, Marketing and Public Information, Training and Employment Development, 506-453-2568; Lloyd Wilson, Co-ordinator, International Trade Program, NBCC - St. Andrews, 506-529-5596.
