A project valued at almost $2.3 million to establish a welding and fabricating training facility in Georgetown this year, was announced by officials from the provincial and federal governments, Holland College, and Active Communities Inc. at a news conference held in Georgetown on Friday.
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Labour, on behalf of the Federal Government; The Honourable Michael Currie, Minister of Transportation and Public Works; Keith Dewar, Vice President of Holland College; Jack Campbell, Chair of the Board of Directors of Active Communities Inc.; and Mark Gotell, Mayor of Georgetown, jointly revealed plans to have the new 20,000 square foot facility built and in operation by early September 1998.
"I'm pleased that ACOA and HRDC can support this project for several reasons: Georgetown is a good location for this training facility, and major employers in this area have already identified a need for trained and skilled workers," said Minister MacAulay. "Companies such as East Isle Shipyard and Atlantic Store Decor will provide excellent opportunities for on-the-job training and good job prospects for graduates of the program. We're supporting this project because of its long-term benefits to Georgetown and the fact it fills a current need for trained workers for existing businesses."
The Atlantic Welding and Fabricating Institute will provide students with training in areas where opportunities for employment exist. A feasibility study commissioned by the Georgetown Area Development Corporation at a cost of $40,000 was used to develop this project.
"Forecasts for the next five to 10 years indicate a shortage of over 100 qualified welders in the PEI workplace," explained Minister Currie. "The program will help build a highly trained work force to fill the jobs already in PEI as well as build the skills capacity needed to attract new businesses to this area."
More than 50 students are expected to start training in the facility in September. Moving into the Georgetown area supports Holland College's strategic focus on delivering world-class training in close alliance with private sector employers, according to Keith Dewar. Holland College has committed to operating the program in the new facility for at least 10 years.
This project represents a major first activity for Active Communities Inc. (ACI), the new economic development corporation in Eastern PEI. ACI will lease the facility to Holland College, who will deliver the training program. The construction and operation of the facility is expected to create more than 25 direct and indirect jobs in total.
The Institute will provide students with a wide range of marketable skills including computer technologies such as CAD, blueprint reading and skills with various metals. Training offered in the new facility will expand on the one-year welding pre-apprenticeship program currently offered by Holland College. The college will also be offering their plumber program and a new pipe-fitting program in this facility.
"The creation of this training institute took innovation and collaboration from a large number of organizations working together," commented Mr. Campbell. "The benefits of this kind of partnership will be evident in this area of the province for many years."
Funding for the project represents support from a large number of partners. The Town of Georgetown is providing land valued at $50,000 for the facility; Active Communities Inc. is providing $250,000; the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is injecting $900,000 into the project; $650,000 will come from the Government of Prince Edward Island; and the Labour Market Development Agreement, which is co-managed by the PEI Department of Economic Development and Tourism and Human Resources Development Canada, will provide $422,000.