Northwest Community College will be receiving 150,000 dollars in funding from the provincial government to go towards offering training for workers affected by two major job displacements in the region.
The announcement from the Provincial government makes special note of recent job losses suffered by employees of the Huckleberry Mine and Prince Rupert's Canfisco cannery operations as two areas where it's anticipated the additional training opportunities will be offered.
“This funding will support workers who need to upgrade their skills so they are well-prepared for future job opportunities,” ... “Our government is ensuring workers receive quality training and have the education they need to continue working in their communities.” -- MLA for Nechako Lakes John Rustad speaking on behalf of Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson.
The Canadian Fish employees will be able to access training in the Essential Office Skills program, as well as the Intro to Trades programs at the Prince Rupert campus. The programs were designed in consultation with NWCC and a Community Adjustment Team.
"We're glad that we can collaborate with the Ministry to support workers in the Northwest during a difficult time of transition,” “The preparation for trades, for office skills, and for work in the natural gas sector should open up new opportunities in some high demand fields for these workers.” -- Ken Burt, President and CEO of Northwest Community College.
The program is part of the province of British Columbia's Skills for Jobs Blueprint which was launched in 2014 to better align funding for in demand occupations.
More information on the opportunities can be accessed through the Prince Rupert campus of Northwest Community College.
You can review more on Tuesday's announcement from this media advisory from the Provincial Government.
While the Provincial government puts aside funding for the Prince Rupert program, Unifor-Ufawu the union which represents shore workers on the North Coast is continuing with its information program designed to draw awareness to local issues related to the fishery.
Earlier this month, they posted an update on a petition campaign to seek the revocation of the Pattison company fishing licences on the North Coast, to mid May, 29,687 signatures had been collected towards the 50,000 mark cut off.
The petition and awareness campaign is directed towards Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, calling on him to stand with BC's coastal communities and to revoke the Canfisco fishing licences.
You can view the petition and background information related to it here.
For more items related to the North Coast Fishing industry see our archive page here.
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