Quebec Government Announces Nearly $430,000 for Training in the Forestry Sector

The Member of Parliament for Roberval , Nancy Guillemette , announces, on behalf of the Minister of Employment and Minister responsible for the Côte-Nord region, Kateri Champagne Jourdain, an investment of $428,823 for the training of mechanics in the wood processing and paper manufacturing sector, to meet the needs of businesses in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region.

Work-study program

The mechanics and equipment maintenance training offered, tailor-made to meet specific needs, includes a total of 800 hours of training. This will take place in the form of a work-study program, consisting of 480 hours in class and 320 hours of paid internship in a company. Mainly focused on learning industrial mechanics, the training also includes a block devoted to understanding wood transformation processes. 

Tailor-made training now

As part of this cohort training, the Pays-des-Bleuets School Services Center, through its Business Services , will offer training to 16 workers from seven companies in the region, namely Sciages GP , PFR, Opiticiwan Sawmill, JAMEC, Tackipotcikan Sawmill Limited Partnership, Wemotaci and NJR Sharpening.

Remember that in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, there are 274 companies that use construction mechanics and industrial mechanics. The training offered therefore meets concrete needs. The Wood Sectoral Workforce Committee, Formabois, collaborated in the identification of training needs and will ensure the delivery of this training as project promoter.

Quotes

“I am very pleased to announce this investment of nearly $430,000 for the training of the next generation in a key sector of our region! The forestry sector needs qualified workers to continue to play its leading role in the economy of Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean and to ensure its productivity and competitiveness. I would particularly like to thank the Pays-des-Bleuets School Service Center for setting up this training in Normandin! »

Nancy Guillemette , Member of Parliament for Roberval

“Training is at the heart of our government’s employment efforts, and this is also the case for sectors of activity anchored in the history of Quebec, as they must evolve to meet the challenges of tomorrow. I am happy that we can support these companies by ensuring we have even more qualified workers. »

Kateri Champagne Jourdain , Minister of Employment and Minister responsible for the Côte-Nord region

“I am delighted to see the collaboration that exists between the various partners and businesses in the region who have set up this project. I am convinced that it will generate significant benefits for the forestry industry by helping to respond to the labor challenges facing the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, as well as all of Quebec. »

Andrée Laforest, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister responsible for the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region

“Today’s announcement is further proof that the Pays-des-Bleuets School Service Center is a leading partner for the economic development of the area. This 800-hour training is offered in the form of a work-study program, with 480 hours of theory and 320 hours in the workplace. To date, 124 workers have been trained in 10 cohorts, and the 11th ^cohort , comprising 16 people, started on March 11. We are proud that the expertise of the SAE is recognized and highlighted on a larger scale and we would also like to thank our partner, Formabois. »

Patrice Boivin , general director of the Pays-des-Bleuets School Services Center

“As for workers, the training program in sawmill mechanics and maintenance improves their qualifications and will allow them to progress within the company. This training also helps to improve the skills and competitiveness of companies in the sector. The success of the project is the result of the great availability and passion of the industry partners. »

Réjean St-Arnaud, general director of Formabois, Sectoral Wood Workforce Committee

Highlights

• It should be noted that Formabois also benefits from a sum of $428,823 for the training of workers in the Chaudière-Appalaches region.
• The short-term training program favoring internships in professions prioritized by the Commission of Labor Market Partners allows staff from participating companies to follow a study program while being employed.
• The Program aims to mainly support sectors in need of labor, by allowing them to train members of their staff who do not have all the skills required to carry out a job, whether they are people newly employed or recently promoted.

To find out more about the activities of the Ministry of Employment and Social Solidarity, follow it on social media:

Facebook: facebook.com/EmploiSolidaritesocialeQc 

Twitter: twitter.com/messqc 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/messqc 

Source: Government of Quebec