The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, led by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, and the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, has announced a strategic investment of $634,000 in the Centre for Research and Innovation.
This funding aims to bolster the tech sector’s workforce by developing and implementing micro-credential and certificate programs.
Over a three-year period, this investment will facilitate the creation of eight micro-credentials and four certificate programs specifically tailored to address the tech industry’s labour shortages. These programs, which will be rolled out in the second and third years, are designed to expedite the upskilling process for participants, aligning with the province’s economic needs.
This initiative is supported through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement and reflects a collaborative effort between Grenfell Campus, Memorial University; College of the North Atlantic; and Corner Brook Pulp and Paper. The Centre for Research and Innovation, known for its emphasis on applied research and teaching, focuses on sectors such as bio, green, and circular economies, as well as entrepreneurship.
Minister Gerry Byrne emphasized the importance of this investment: “With the fast pace of change and our evolving demand for skilled labour, targeted and responsive skills recognition is playing an increasingly important role.” He noted that the new programs would significantly contribute to enhancing the skill sets of both current and future technology workers in the province.
Echoing Byrne’s sentiments, Deputy Premier Siobhan Coady highlighted the technology sector’s role as a growing economic force within Newfoundland and Labrador. She stressed the government’s commitment to expanding the industry through partnerships and initiatives that stimulate private sector investment and job creation.
Dr. Ian Sutherland, Vice-President of Grenfell Campus, and Elizabeth Kidd, President and CEO of the College of the North Atlantic, both expressed their organizations’ dedication to regional economic development and the advancement of the technology sector. They underscored the importance of the Centre for Research and Innovation in preparing the workforce to meet industry demands and fostering sustainable growth through this significant provincial investment.