According to an announcement made by the Employment Services Centre of Prescott-Russell (CSEPR) ON December 10, industrial workers will be trained according to the needs identified by local manufacturing and industrial companies. The training project will take place from April to July 2021 and aims to train about twenty industrial workers in various sectors of trades in demand. Led by the CSEPR, and conducted in partnership with Collège La Cité, this initiative is funded through the Skills + Ontario project of the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

"The need for skilled labour is known, and the Centre wants to bring solutions to its emloyers and its community. This is why, in November 2019, we brought together manufacturing companies and potential partners for a possible project in order to identify their most pressing needs," said Caroline Arcand, Executive Director of the Employment Services Centre.  "Following very enriching exchanges, we have built a training project that we submitted to the Ministry through the Skills + Ontario project in order to get the necessary funding. And today, the project is on the way and we are very proud of it!"

"There has been a general shortage of skilled trandespeople in many trades and sectors, including here in our own riding," said Jim McDonell, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry. "I am happy the government will be able to assist with more specific training as a way to make up the shortfalls and help residents enter the workforce or expand their careers."

Through this project, individuals will be trained according to a specific program developed by Collège La Cité that meets the needs identified by local manufacturing and industrial companies. Included in the program are company visits in order to introduce learners to the realities of the industry. For more information, companies, job seekers and workers are invited to contact Jean Dubois, Skills Development Coordinator for the CSEPR, at 613.632.0179, ext. 248.