Prince George, B.C.- The United Steelworkers, local 1-424, has been selected to assist industry with  applications  for funding and training plans  under the Canada Job Grant.

“The new Canada Job Grant program is a two for one program” says Terry Tate, the Program Coordinator for the USW Northern Skills Training, “That means the provincial and federal government   each put in one dollar and the employer puts in one for training.”

Tate says the Northern Skills Training program comes to a close at the end of March, it had restrictions on who could apply for retraining program.  He says the new Canada Job Grant fund has fewer restrictions, “The employer identifies what skills they want the worker to have, we (USW) handle all the necessary paperwork and assist the employer in the development of a training program.”

Tate says the employer must pay for the full cost of the training up front, and will be reimbursed two thirds .

“We are hoping this new fund will enhance the opportunity for more apprenticeships  and improve opportunities  for  workers to advance their skill levels” says Tate.

Local 1-424 President Frank Everitt says the new program will  help address the shortage of skilled  workers at a time when  resource development  is on the verge of a boom “We have a challenge ahead and working in partnership with all players engaged will help achieve the best results for everyone.”