Energy Training Key To Prosperity

The province's growing energy industry provides Nova Scotians with more than an energy resource; it provides opportunities for increased prosperity and new jobs. With the potential for access to as much as 40 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, exploration in Nova Scotia's offshore continues to attract worldwide attention.

"Training and education are key to building the oil and gas industry," says Energy Minister Ernest Fage. "There is a wide array of oil and gas career choices available to Nova Scotians, and we must be ready by being among the best skilled workers available."

Building a world-class energy industry in Nova Scotia means more than winning contracts here at home. It means developing our skills and using our expertise to compete in markets around the world. Nova Scotia's universities and community colleges offer specialized training and educational programs to meet the growing demand for skilled technicians, labourers, scientists and professionals in the energy sector.

With a highly-skilled workforce, and a focus on innovation and research and development, provincial expertise can continue to grow beyond our own offshore to service other deepwater frontiers around the world.

Under contract to ExxonMobil, the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) and the University College of Cape Breton (UCCB), for example, are building a reputation for expertise in offshore training with a joint program that is providing workers from Angola with the skills they need to work on offshore discoveries being developed by Esso Angola.

"Our UCCB students are being prepared for technology careers in the offshore and onshore oil and gas industry. Their education foundation will prepare them for exciting opportunities right here in Nova Scotia and in other challenging energy regions around the world," says Lucia MacIsaac of the UCCB Centre of Excellence in Petroleum Development. As well, the Department of Energy and Marathon Canada were corporate sponsors for an energy session called Skills Energy Youth Quest. This event, facilitated by Skills Canada -- Nova Scotia, introduces secondary students to skilled trades careers in the energy sector through hands-on information sessions at NSCC.

"We're committed to preparing Nova Scotians for opportunities in the province's growing energy sector," says Barb Riley, manager of the college's energy group. "We believe the most effective way to increase awareness and understanding of opportunities in the oil and gas industry is to welcome people to NSCC, facilitate hands-on learning experiences, and encourage educators to share their knowledge with their students."

Skilled workers are the key to Nova Scotia's prosperity and NSCC has a critical role in preparing a job-ready workforce. The province recently announced a $123-million expansion project for new infrastructure, campus upgrades, and more programs to accommodate an additional 2,500 students. This investment is part of the province's Skills Nova Scotia initiative. The initiative involves training and skills upgrading, from basic literacy to the use of the most sophisticated technologies, such as those used in the energy sector.

The growth of the energy sector brings new opportunities for Nova Scotians to gain new skills and well paying jobs. The Department of Energy is helping develop training and human resources planning programs by encouraging labour, management, and other government departments to work as partners.

The Energy Training Program for Students is just one example of the government's commitment to the continued development of human resources in the province. This program was developed to encourage private-sector employers to hire Nova Scotian post- secondary students for career-related work terms in all sectors of the energy industry. Employers benefit by gaining access to students and recent graduates in a wide range of disciplines from the 11 universities and 13 community college campuses in Nova Scotia. Last year more than 70 students were matched with 40 employers, giving the students hands-on work experience that will enable them to become part of a highly skilled energy sector workforce.

The department is also supporting local businesses with an interest in serving the oil and gas industry by providing information seminars. These seminars focus on adopting quality assurance and quality control standards that will help the firms compete for new contracts.

The Department of Energy works with other departments, industry stakeholders, and the general public to ensure that all Nova Scotians realize the maximum opportunities and benefits from the province's rich energy resources.

The Nova Scotia Community College is committed to accessible, high-quality, industry specific education that allows all Nova Scotians to participate in the province's ever-growing economy.

An Atlantic Canadian education and research leader, the University College of Cape Breton provides opportunities and partnerships to help learners and communities meet educational, cultural and economic goals.