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NESC and Atlantic partner for 17th annual skilled trades training in Point Fortin

 

As demand increases for training in skilled trades in Point Fortin and surrounding communities, 68 prospective tradespersons from the Borough will participate in the 17th annual training initiative by the National Energy Skills Centre (NESC) in partnership with LNG producer Atlantic.

The initiative – the Atlantic Adult Skills Enhancement Programme – takes place once again at the Point Fortin Campus of the NESC and this year’s cycle will features courses in Pipefitting and Fabrication, Digital Literacy, Microsoft Word and a new offering in Valves Servicing and Installation.  These courses will run from September to November.<

Camille Salandy, Atlantic’s Manager of Sustainability and Corporate Communications, said that not only was training in skilled trades in great demand locally, but there was also need for more local trade specialists who were professional and reliable.

“Atlantic is very encouraged by the high level of interest shown in this programme and we are also inspired by the reports we receive about the success of the participants when they complete the programme,”” Salandy said.  “”Atlantic remains committed to developing the various technical skillsets of the people in our home community and helping with economic diversification in the southwest peninsula.”

Wayne Thomas, Point Fortin Campus Manager for NESC explained that the training methods used on the programme helped to equip participants with the high levels of competence and customer service awareness that are now the norm in present-day business.<

“We know the demand for these skills is out there and with Atlantic’s help the NESC is rising up to the challenge of equipping people to seize the opportunities in skilled trades,” Thomas said. “NESC is also focused on ensuring the quality of training, whether it is from the hands-on activities or from the close attention from the tutors. We want all the participants to be the very best in the trades they have chosen.”

First-time programme participant Tineille Tobias explained that she entered the Valves Installation course with no prior knowledge of the trade, but had been able to learn a tremendous amount from the instructor and the hands-on practical exercises. “This course is awesome,” Tobias said. “This programme helps people who work with their hands. This is important because not everybody in the community is big on academics.”

The Atlantic Adult Skills Enhancement Programme was established in 2000 and to date has trained 863 graduates in several trades including plumbing, masonry, electrical installation and air conditioning installation.  Atlantic subsidizes the tuition and material fees for all participants at the NESC Point Fortin Centre.