Kick Start pilot program will address key industry issues and skills gaps
October 28, 2014 – Marystown, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The Burin Peninsula Chamber of Commerce (BPCC) will provide junior high students with training in the areas of skilled trades and technology, thanks in part to investments from the federal and provincial governments. Funding of more than $139,000 was announced today by the Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), and the Honourable Darin King, provincial Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development.
The BPCC is partnering with Kiewit Offshore Services and Pearce Junior High to provide skills training through the Kick Start pilot program, which will offer real time learning to address key industry issues and skill gaps. The program will provide the opportunity for junior high students to better understand the real world application of design concept, fabrication and application. It will focus on creating awareness of entrepreneurial opportunities, mentoring youth and entrepreneurs, skills development and innovation.
The BPCC will work with Pearce Junior High and Kiewit Offshore Services to integrate the program into the grade eight and nine technology curriculum with real time projects overseen by the company’s key engineering staff. Skill areas will include computer assisted design (CAD) based technical support, engineering, pipe fitting, drafting, welding, safety engineering technology and design.
Quick Facts:
- The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, is contributing $69,577 to support the development and implementation of the Kick Start pilot program.
- The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s investment of $69,578 is being provided through the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development.
- Kiewit Offshore Services is providing a $50,000 in-kind contribution to support the project.
- Marystown has a diverse economic base, including the home of Kiewit Offshore Services, the largest marine fabrication and outfitting facility in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Pearce Junior High School is located in Salt Pond, Burin and currently has an enrolment of 225 students in grades eight and nine. The school serves the towns of Marystown, Burin, Fox Cove, Mortier, Port au Bras, Lewin’s Cove, Salmonier, Epworth, Winterland, Garnish, Frenchman’s Cove, Mooring Cove, Spanish Room, Rock Harbour, Jean-de-Baie and Red Harbour.
Quotes:
“Our Government is pleased to support the Burin Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and its partners to help ensure a stable and steady supply of skilled workers, which will strengthen Atlantic Canada’s economy. This pilot program is an innovative and interactive way to inform youth about career opportunities in skilled trades and technology.”
- The Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
“Youth are our future and it is important that they are provided with opportunities that encourage innovation, creativity and build essential skills. Training and skill development prepares students for their careers ahead and provides them essential insights into which career path they may want to follow. I am pleased that our Provincial Government support of $69,578 will assist these students in advancing their skills and help to create awareness of the value of innovation in the province’s industrial sectors.”
- The Honourable Darin King, provincial Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
“The Burin Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is pleased to be able to bring these partners together in a project which we believe will instill in participating students interest and knowledge in skilled trades. This may contribute to filling the identified demand-supply gap in skilled trades and technical talent on the Peninsula, and encouraging more of them to stay at home to work when they enter the labour force.”
- Don MacBeath, President, BPCC
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Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Kelsie.Corey@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Julie Afonso
Acting Director, Public Affairs
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
Julie.Afonso@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Tansy Mundon
Director of Communications
Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
709-729-4570
Don MacBeath
President
Burin Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
709-279-2080
