May 23, 2014
Province, Manitoba Hydro Launch Northern Trades Training Program
– – –Targeted Apprenticeship Training, Work Experience Will Lead to Red Seal Certification, Good Jobs for Northern Manitobans: Premier Selinger
THE PAS—Up to 36 people will receive apprenticeship training for good jobs in high-demand skilled trades ranging from millwrights and industrial electricians to steamfitters and pipefitters, through a joint initiative between the Manitoba government, Manitoba Hydro and several industry, education and training partners, Premier Greg Selinger announced here today.
Training will be targeted for Aboriginal participants and will take place in The Pas and Thompson, with work experience taking place with employers throughout northern Manitoba.
“Our goal is to provide all Manitobans with access to apprenticeship training and work experience to ensure they are qualified for the high-quality, high-demand jobs available in our province,” said Premier Selinger. “This partnership will see up to 36 northerners hired and paid as apprentices for the duration of the program, and they will receive training and work experience on Manitoba Hydro projects and other high-demand northern industries like mining, construction and forestry. This training will lead to a Red Seal trade certification and good jobs so that local residents can build a future for their families right here in northern Manitoba.”
The province will provide $3.3 million in funding and Manitoba Hydro will provide $2.9 million. Apprentices will be placed with several employers to ensure they gain experience in the full scope of their trades. Employers participating in the project will include Vale, Hudbay Minerals, Tolko Industries and others. Training partners will include the University College of the North (UCN), Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology, Red River College and Workplace Education Manitoba.
“It can be a challenge to get skilled trades for work on our northern projects,” said Scott Thomson, president and CEO, Manitoba Hydro. “This program will help to create a resource of skilled Aboriginal tradespeople, who live in the north and want to work in the north. It will also provide valuable information which can be used to develop future training initiatives.”
“The north needs qualified tradespeople in order to develop and sustain both our industries and our communities,” said Doug Lauvstad, executive director, Northern Manitoba Sector Council (NMSC). “This contribution of Manitoba Hydro and the provincial government will significantly assist the NMSC and its industry members to fulfil our mandate of training northern people for northern jobs.”
The Northern Manitoba Sector Council is a not-for-profit corporation representing the region’s major employers in the mining, forestry and energy sectors. It was developed in response to northern employers’ expressed interests and challenges in the recruitment, training and retention of northern and Aboriginal people for northern employment opportunities.
“This initiative aligns with our industrial skills and trades training vision and supports the Northern Manitoba Sector Council mandate to develop capacity to address the needs of industry stakeholders,” said Sherry Peden, vice-president, academic and research, UCN. “We are pleased to collaborate with northern industry and employers to address existing skills shortages.”
Manitoba has more than 55 skilled trades available for apprenticeship and certification in four sectors – industrial, transportation, construction and service. Over 3,300 employers participate in the apprenticeship program and there are more than 10,000 apprentices in the province. The premier noted this year marks the 70th anniversary of apprenticeship training and certification in Manitoba.
“This is an innovative, flexible, responsive program that will create good job opportunities for northern Manitobans,” said Premier Selinger. “As we develop Manitoba’s hydroelectricity resources, this training initiative will ensure Manitobans benefit with in-demand skills and job opportunities.”
The premier added recruitment for the $6.2-million, four- to five-year initiative will begin this summer.
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