FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government is investing $50,000 in Helmets to Hardhats Canada, a national, not-for-profit organization that provides apprenticeship training to current or former members of the Armed Forces or Reserves who are seeking a civilian career.
"This program complements our efforts to support apprenticeship in New Brunswick," said Premier David Alward. "Our Labour Force and Skills Development Strategy already highlights work being done to attract teens into the trades through the New Brunswick Teen Apprentice Program as well as efforts to implement a women-in-trades program. Providing financial support to help our veterans move into a trade will help us address the increasing demand for skilled trade workers in New Brunswick.
“A strong and vibrant labour market is vital to economic growth and job creation,” he added. “Our government's actions and investments, guided by our Economic Development Action Plan, will ensure that, together with our partners, we can rebuild New Brunswick."
The program is an innovative opportunity for members of the military as well as unions, contractors, owners and associations within Canada's building, construction and maintenance industries to match employment needs with potential employment openings.
"This program will help veterans, especially our younger veterans, make the transition from military service to good jobs in the skilled trades, where we need more workers," said Brian Macdonald, legislative secretary to the premier for intergovernmental affairs and military affairs. "Veterans are among our best citizens and our hardest workers. The west-to-east pipeline, oil and gas development as well as mining are going to grow our economy. We will need skilled workers to continue building New Brunswick. Our veterans should be part of that prosperity."
This initiative is funded under the Canada-New Brunswick Labour Market Development Agreement.
"The building trades unions are proud to partner with the New Brunswick government to provide training and jobs for our veterans," said Andrew Dawson, president of the New Brunswick carpenters’ union. "The construction unions recognize the valuable contribution that members of the Canadian Forces have made to our country, as well as their outstanding qualities and experience that can transfer into a successful career in the skilled trades."
Alward and Julian Fantino, federal minister of veterans affairs, will celebrate the investment and speak about the importance of this initiative during a fundraising dinner being held this evening in Fredericton.
LINK:
● New Brunswick's Labour Force and Skills Development Strategy 2013-2016
09-10-13
