May 9, 2008
$3.12 MILLION INVESTMENT HAS RED RIVER COLLEGE "GOING PLACES"
Winnipeg, Manitoba –Red River Collegeis now able to bring trades training to rural communities with two mobile training labs, thanks to an investment under the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement.
The $3.12 million in funding to Red River College was announced today by the Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification; and the Honourable Andrew Swan, Manitoba Minister of Competitiveness, Training and Trade.
“The Government of Canada is proud to invest in initiatives that provide our youth with the opportunity to live, learn and work in their own communities,” said Minister Toews. “Through this trades training project, Red River College is helping to address the need for highly qualified skilled workers in Manitoba.”
“Manitoba is committed to a workforce training strategy that includes all Manitobans. Today’s announcement supports the expansion of our college system, apprenticeship spaces and employment-readiness training programs for rural, northern and Aboriginal communities,” said Swan. “These unique trailers will travel the roads of rural and northern Manitoba providing an educational service that will allow students to learn a trade while staying close to their home community.”
Each lab is contained in a 53-foot trailer that can quickly transform into a 950 square foot unit. Diesel generators supply the necessary power to operate electrical equipment, as well as lighting, heating and air conditioning. Supply trailers, housing materials, training aids, and additional tools and equipment connect to the mobile lab, increasing the facility space to almost 2,000 square feet.
The portability and mobility of the training labs allow the college to deliver nationally-recognized trade training, such as automotive service technician, carpentry, electrical, machining, pipe fitting, plumbing, welding and industrial mechanics, to rural Manitobans. They also increase accessibility for students in rural areas to training programs and link training opportunities with community-based projects and emerging industries.
"Red River College has a long history of bringing training to rural communities through our regional campuses and distance education programs," said Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, President of RRC. "With the support of the federal and provincial governments, these trailers will allow us reach even more potential students throughout Manitoba."
Under EPA, the governments of Canada and Manitoba are working together and in partnership with community stakeholders to build the economy and strengthen communities. These priorities promote economic growth and diversification in the province. For more information on this and other projects funded under EPA, visit: http://www.epa.gov.mb.ca.
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Backgrounder
The Mobile Training Lab And Supply Trailer - http://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2008/2008may/MobileTrainingLabs.CTT.doc