May 21, 2015 – Summerside, PEI – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Holland College is addressing the growing demand for occupational divers in the aquaculture industry and other sectors by offering two new courses at the Marine Training Centre. The need for diver training in Atlantic Canada is increasing. Quality inshore occupational divers are essential to the aquaculture industry for many reasons, including net inspections, underwater construction and ongoing maintenance.
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA), today announced funding for Holland College to help purchase state-of-the-art equipment and assist in renovations for its Marine Training Centre.
The new equipment and renovations will allow Holland College to offer training for inshore occupational divers for the first time east of Ontario, which will better meet the demands of the aquaculture industry in Atlantic Canada. The new courses will help improve the safety and competency of occupational divers by meeting or exceeding industry standards.
Quick Facts:
- The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, is providing a $300,000 contribution to Holland College for this project.
- The Marine Training Centre is part of the Holland College Waterfront Campus in downtown Summerside, Prince Edward Island. The Centre offers a full range of marine vessel certifications including a full-time Commercial Diving program.
- Holland College’s new course offerings will qualify divers for work in the aquaculture industry and other sectors that require trained occupational divers, including environmental assessment, archeological projects, the underwater film industry and public safety organizations.
- In Atlantic Canada there are over 500 aquaculture farms that create 4,000 direct, indirect and induced full-time equivalent positions in the economy.
- Holland College will offer a six-week Unrestricted Occupational Scuba Diver course and an eight-week Restricted Surface Supplied Diver course at the Marine Training Centre in Summerside. For more information, visit www.hollandcollege.com.
Quotes:
“The aquaculture industry has a substantial impact on the economic vitality of rural communities and provincial economies in Atlantic Canada. As the industry evolves, so too must the training programs for industry professionals, including occupational divers. Our Government is pleased to support this project, which will meet the changing needs of the aquaculture industry and other sectors and create sustainable jobs for the region.”
- The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
“The new courses that we will now be able to offer will improve the safety and competency of occupational divers for the Aquaculture industry and other employers, and address a gap in the current training landscape for divers in Atlantic Canada. Many of the jobs related to the Aquaculture industry contribute to the health and vitality of the rural and coastal communities in which they take place. Holland College is proud of our strong partnerships with industry, government, and the communities we serve. Our approach was responsive and flexible when industry brought the need for this training to our attention, and the necessary funding was made possible through our partnership with ACOA, allowing Holland College to continue to support communities in Prince Edward Island, and in Atlantic Canada.”
- Dr. Brian McMillan, President, Holland College
Associated Links:
• Holland College
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Katie MacNevin
ACOA PEI and Tourism
902-940-0801
Sara Underwood
Holland College
902-566-9695
