by Maria Driscoll

Holland College is planning a fundamental shift in its response to the training demands of the new economy, with the creation of the Centre for Labour Force Innovation (CLFI). Funding for the $7 million initiative is being cost-shared by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Government of Prince Edward Island and Holland College.

The centre, to be built on the main Holland College campus in Charlottetown, will be 38,000 square feet and it is expected to be completed in the spring of 2006.

"The establishment of this centre is essential if Holland College is to continue to evolve and support economic growth in Prince Edward Island," said the Honourable Shawn Murphy, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown. "The world of the 21st century is highly competitive and demands a new approach to economic development. This new centre will help address several labour market challenges so Prince Edward Island workers can more fully participate in today's marketplace."

One of the goals of the CLFI is to effectively address the needs of industry within emerging sectors such as biosciences and information technology. The CLFI will have four areas of strategic focus: a Bioscience Training Institute, a Research and Knowledge Centre, an Office of Industry Collaboration and Organizational Learning, and an Office of Transition Services.

"The provincial government is pleased to be part of this strategic initiative to create new training opportunities and address the specific needs of our labour market," said Premier Binns. "The Centre will support the current and future need for skilled bioscience technologists. It will support partnerships with industry to ensure that we are training people effectively to meet changing labour market needs. It will also support stronger partnerships with high schools to support young people who are considering Holland College programs."

A focal point of the CLFI will be the Bioscience Training Institute that will support the development of full-time programming and customized training solutions for individuals and employers. In addition, the Office of Industry Collaboration will play a central role in identifying and pursuing new customized training opportunities for domestic and international employers in this and other key industry sectors.

"The creation of the Centre for Labour Force Innovation is a continuation of Holland College's campus plan for students at its Tourism and Culinary and Charlottetown Centres," stated Jeanette MacAulay, Vice President of Development and External Relations at Holland College. "In keeping with last week's announcement of the College's consolidation of its trades training programs and facilities in Slemon Park and the establishment of Slemon Park as one of our two primary College Centres, this new Centre will consolidate our services and modernize our facilities for students in the Charlottetown area."

MacAulay also added that the new Centre would be an innovative hub for industry, Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs, Holland College faculty and students.

ACOA will be contributing $2.53 million through its Business Development Program. The Province of P.E.I. is providing $2.4 million and Holland College is contributing $2.35 million.