May 22, 2012
Terrace, British Columbia
Today, the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification (WD), announced federal funding for Northwest Community College (NWCC) to expand heavy equipment operator training across the region.
“Today’s announcement is an excellent example of how our Government is working to create jobs, growth, and long-term prosperity in Western Canada,” said Minister Yelich. “Thanks to this investment, we are ensuring our northern communities have access to the essential equipment and programs they need to capitalize on their economic opportunities.”
Due to a growing local economy, particularly in the mining and oil and gas industries, there is increasing demand for heavy equipment operators in northwestern British Columbia. With WD’s investment of $573,380, NWCC will help meet this demand by purchasing ten virtual training simulators, along with a heavy duty truck and 32 foot trailer. The equipment will create a mobile classroom, used to train students in rural communities where access to traditional school campuses is limited.
“This important investment fits directly into our ‘throw away the box,’ agile, site-based training model that is vital to our communities and industries here in the Northwest,” says Dr. Denise Henning, Northwest Community College President & CEO. “WD’s generous funding allows us to bring state-of-the-art training directly to where it is needed, developing a valuable, skilled northern workforce that will help drive our economy.”
Western Economic Diversification Canada works to create jobs and economic growth in the western Canadian economy. By promoting new economic opportunities, WD is securing a more diverse and prosperous future for the West while advancing Western interests at the national level.
For additional information please contact:
Jerra Byrne
Office of the Minister
Western Economic Diversification
Telephone: 613-954-8097
Email: Jerra.Byrne@wd-deo.gc.ca
Debra Wall
Marketing Communications Advisor
Northwest Community College
Telephone: 250-638-5494
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1 877 303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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