Mackenzie Gets Programs For Unemployed

By 250 News

Mackenzie, B.C. - The province is investing more than half-a-million dollars in training programs to help displaced forest workers in Mackenzie overcome a lumber and paper manufacturing downturn.

The Province is committing $549,000 in additional funding to the College of New Caledonia to start new programs as soon as possible at the college's Mackenzie campus, giving forest workers affected by mill closures opportunities to add to their skills.

Minister of Forests and Range, Pat Bell, says the  workers are facing unique challenges "These workers are a vital part of their community, and these programs will give them more employment choices closer to home."

The College of New Caledonia will use the additional funding to provide training in millwright and industrial mechanics, culinary arts, home support resident care, and college and career preparation. 

CNC President John Bowman says the programs selected are  all new to Mackenzie and full enrolment is expected "We already have a list of interested students so we are pretty confident the programs will be a success." says Bowman.  All of the programs offered are 10 months in length and each program has its own specific enrolment criteria.  While the funding is one time in nature,  Bowman says CNC will  apply to have the programs  continued  in the fall of 2009.

The new programs are expected to start between September and November 2008.

Eligibility and enrolment details will be available through the college in the near future.

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