Nova Scotia and British Columbia are teaming up to enhance workforce training and increase the mobility of skilled workers between the two provinces.

Premier Stephen McNeil and Premier Christy Clark signed an agreement in principle today, July 17, that will mean more opportunities for workers in the shipbuilding and industrial marine industry, and ensure that employers in both provinces have access to the qualified workforce they need.

“This is a perfect partnership, and one in which our economies and our workers will benefit,” said Premier McNeil. “Our two provinces each have a strong and booming shipbuilding industry.

“Working together we will deliver top notch training for our skilled trades workers and help ensure our respective labour market needs continue to be met as these industries grow.”

“Shipbuilding and ship repair is worth billions of dollars in our two provinces and we will continue to need trained workers in the coming years,” said Premier Clark. “This agreement means employers will have access to a deeper talent pool, and workers will have more opportunities in a growing economy.”

British Columbia and Nova Scotia will prepare a memorandum of understanding to implement the agreement. It will focus on sharing best practices in marine trades training, and exploring joint training ventures using innovative delivery methods. A co-ordinated training strategy will make it easier for skilled trades workers to move between the two provinces for work.

In 2012, it was estimated that the shipbuilding business supported a total of 4,423 direct and indirect jobs in Nova Scotia. Estimates suggest that by 2020, that number could be as high as 11,500, including 7,400 in manufacturing.

Source: Release