The $2.9 million Atlantic Welding and Fabrication Centre in Georgetown was officially opened today by representatives from the provincial and federal governments, Holland College, and Active Communities Inc.
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Solicitor General of Canada; the Honourable Pat Binns, Premier of Prince Edward Island; Keith Dewar, Vice-President of Holland College; Jack Campbell, Chair of the Board of Active Communities Inc.; and Mark Gotell, Mayor of Georgetown, joined together to open the new 20,000 square foot facility.
"I'm pleased that the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Human Resources Development Canada have been able to support this project, and it is very exciting to see students here learning skills that will serve them well in the future," said Minister MacAulay, on behalf of the Government of Canada. "Georgetown is a good location for this training facility, and companies such as East Isle Shipyard and Atlantic Store Decor will provide excellent opportunities for on-the-job training."
Thirty-three students started classes at the Atlantic Welding and Fabrication Centre on October 13, and are being provided with training in areas where opportunities for employment exist.
"This 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," explained Premier Binns. "Partnerships with other levels of government and community-based organizations, like this one, continue to have a positive effect not only at the community level but also for the Island as a whole."
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 is committed to expanding on current full-time and specialized course offerings delivered in this facility over the next ten years.
This project represents a major first activity for Active Communities Inc. (ACI), the new economic development corporation in Eastern PEI. ACI is leasing the facility to Holland College, who is delivering the training program. The construction and operation of the facility has created more than 25 direct and indirect jobs in total.
Upon graduation from the Centre, students will have 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 expands upon the one-year welding pre-apprenticeship program offered by Holland College. The college also offers their Plumbing program and a new Steam-fitting/Pipe-fitting program in this facility.
"The creation of this training centre 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 has provided land valued at $50,000 for the facility; Active Communities Inc. has provided $400,000; and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) has injected $900,000 into the project. A further $850,000 came from the Canada/Prince Edward Island Regional Economic Development Agreement, which is co-managed by ACOA and the Government of PEI; and $400,000 was provided through the Labour Market Development Agreement, which is co-managed by the PEI Department of Development and Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC). HRDC also provided $300,000 under its Transitional Jobs Fund.
This project supports the Government of Canada's Jobs Strategy. The Jobs Strategy is based on strengthening the economic fundamentals and establishing a favourable climate for job creation by making strategic investment in areas where the government can make a difference.