Government of Canada Invests in Skilled Training for Mechanics Trades

YORKTON, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwired - July 28, 2015) - Western Economic Diversification Canada

Students in the Yorkton area interested in entering mechanics trades training and welding training will have easier access to programs at Parkland College thanks to an investment announced today by Garry Breitkreuz, Member of Parliament for Yorkton-Melville, on behalf of the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.

The College will use federal funding of $250,000 to purchase and install equipment for teaching trades and welding courses in its new Trades and Technology Centre, which will open in September 2015.

The new equipment allows the College to offer apprenticeship programs that were not previously available, including the Agricultural Machinery Technician Certificate, Heavy Equipment Truck & Transport Technician Certificate, and Enhanced Welding Certificate programs.

More training spots will be available in the Multi-Mechanical Trades Certificate apprenticeship program, which includes Heavy Equipment Mechanic and Automotive Technician, as well as Introduction to Metal Work and Metal Fabrication programs. The College will also be able to offer skills upgrading to employed tradespeople in these areas because of the new equipment and shop space.

Quick Facts

• The trade skills programs where the equipment will be used have been identified by Saskatchewan's potash industry as an area of its highest needs for skilled labour.
  
  
• Aboriginal students from the 10 First Nations in the area will also have improved access to this industry-recognized training.
  
  

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring Canadians have the necessary skills and training they need to fill available jobs in our economy. This investment will allow students to train closer to home and provide them with the skills they need to succeed, while also helping to develop the talent required for the growth of our economy."

- Garry Breitkreuz, Member of Parliament for Yorkton-Melville

"This support is vital to the Trades and Technology Centre, which will benefit students in the Parkland region for years to come. Our graduates will be the skilled employees businesses and industries in our province need for prosperity and growth."

- Dwayne Reeve, President, Parkland College

Additional Links

- Harper Government Invests in Power Engineering Lab at Parkland College

- Parkland College

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