Province Invests in Productivity Training for Industry

NOTE: A social media version of this release, with video and audio clips, is available at http://gov.ns.ca/news/smr/2011-04-11-Productivity-Training/ . Hi-res, downloadable photos will be added after the event.

Nova Scotia companies will get a hand in improving their productivity and competitiveness through a new program under jobsHere, the province's plan to grow the economy.

Members of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, Nova Scotia Division will receive $101,760 for training. The province is contributing $46,185 of that funding through the Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive, one of two incentives under the Productivity Investment Program. The remaining funding will come from other government partners.

"Funding this training is one way jobsHere is working with industry to help strengthen our workforce," said Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Percy Paris. "This training will teach employees the right skills for good jobs, increase productivity, and improve the competitiveness of participating businesses."

The funding will enable Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters to offer Lean certification, which is training that improves productivity and ensures operational efficiency, to its members around the province.

"Increasing the skills of our workforce is one of the keys to making sure Nova Scotians gain the skills they need to make our workplaces more productive and successful," said Marilyn More, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education. "Programs like this one are helping support businesses as they work to meet the challenges of today while preparing to seize the opportunities of tomorrow."

The certification training will help workers identify ways they can make their manufacturing facilities and other businesses more efficient. This will help their organizations save money and improve competitiveness.

"This is a dynamic partnership for CME and industry," said Ann Janega, vice-president, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, Nova Scotia. "This is a great opportunity to deliver an innovative program that hits the high points of entrepreneurship, workplace training, productivity and business development."

The first of three training sessions began March 28. Sessions take place until June and then again from September to October.

Nova Scotia's Productivity Investment Program is one of the most significant investments in workplace training in Nova Scotia's history. It helps companies improve their employees' skills and purchase advanced equipment to become more competitive.

More information on the Productivity Investment Program, including guidelines and application forms, is available at www.gov.ns.ca/econ/pip .

jobsHere, the plan to grow our economy, will strengthen our workforce with the right skills for good jobs, increase productivity and advance our global competitiveness to grow the economy and make life better for our families. For more information on jobsHere, visit gov.ns.ca/jobsHere.