April 29, 2015
Manitoba Government Announces Major New Investment in Skills Training
– – –New Aerospace Facility, Welding Shop Renovation at Tec Voc Will Increase Opportunities for Apprenticeship Training, Job Experience: Premier Selinger
Adult and high school students at Technical Vocational High School (Tec Voc) can look forward to a new aerospace shop and renovation to the school’s welding shop thanks to the Manitoba government’s Skill Build Shops fund, Premier Greg Selinger announced today.
“Manitoba’s state-of-the-art aerospace industry is the largest in western Canada and serves hundreds of companies around the world,” said Premier Selinger. “This new aerospace facility and welding shop renovation will ensure more students have the opportunity to develop the skills they need to get a good job in one of the province’s world-class manufacturing, repair and service aerospace firms.”
The new two-storey, 2,500-to-3,000-sq.-ft. aerospace shop will be large enough to accommodate a fixed wing and a rotary wing aircraft at the same time. As a result, students will receive hands-on, practical training on industry equipment, and the school will be able to meet apprenticeship standards for the Level 1 aviation maintenance journeyperson program, the premier said. The addition will include office space and two new classrooms. With this new space, the current ability to accommodate between 12 and 15 students per class could double, Premier Selinger added.
Tec Voc works with various aerospace industry partners to provide academic and technical vocational programs for high school students and adult learners that prepare them for employment or
post-secondary education and training.
In addition to the Aviation and Aerospace Technology Program for high school students, the Aerospace Manufacturing and Maintenance Orientation Program (AMMOP) provides high school graduates aged 17 to 30 with an orientation to the aerospace industry. AMMOP gives students enhanced qualifications to apply for entry into aerospace related programs at Stevenson Aviation and Aerospace Training Centre at Red River College.
“The aerospace industry invests time and money in aerospace programs at Tec Voc to get high-quality people ready to be trained for specific jobs in the aerospace sector,” said John Leroux, director, quality and training, StandardAero. “The investment by the Manitoba government will ensure the longevity of these programs.”
Renovations to the welding/machine shop will detach the welding shop from the machine shop and provide a safe corridor from the new addition through the shop area to existing aerospace classrooms. The existing ventilation system will be updated as part of this project. The welding program currently shares space with the machine shop.
“The board of trustees is pleased that the new aerospace facility and welding shop will enhance the learning environment and give Tec Voc students more opportunities for apprenticeship training and job experience to prepare for their future,” said Mark Wasyliw, board chair, Winnipeg School Division.
The Manitoba government is also investing in new equipment for both programs through the Skills Strategy Equipment Enhancement Fund including:
- six multi-purpose welding machines with digital readout that will assist the school in obtaining accreditation for level one welder from Apprenticeship Manitoba;
- new 3D printers and Mastercam software for the machining technology program; and
- vacuum pumps, off-set air-die grinders and dust collection systems for the aviation and aerospace technologies program, which will enable the program to emulate industry production of composite materials.
The premier noted the Manitoba government has launched a comprehensive skills strategy that is creating opportunity for students and helping reach the commitment of adding 75,000 workers to the labour force by 2020.
“By building new schools, renovating existing schools, building mechanical shops and science labs we are continuing to help our students succeed,” the premier said.
Construction on the new project is expected to begin in spring 2016.
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