Belleville, Ontario, October 15, 2014 – Loyalist is pleased to announce the College will work with two local manufacturers to facilitate delivery of an adult retraining program that combines literacy and essential skills with job-specific training for the food processing industry. Vantage Foods of Belleville and Canadian Blast Freezers of Quinte West will participate in the placement component of the Elevate Training Program, overseeing new trainees as they put their skills to work on the job.
Elevate is a joint partnership with Essential Skills Ontario and the Food Processing HR Council, designed to support vulnerable individuals who are unemployed or receive income support. The program is delivered at no cost to students through Loyalist Training and Knowledge Centre (LTKC). Elevate is part of a pan-Canadian research project evaluating whether the direct involvement of employers in the design and delivery of workforce training for low-skilled adults can help sustain longer-term employment.
The first group of Elevate students will begin their studies on October 27. Participants will attend six weeks of training, including 17 days of practical in-class studies and 13 days of on-the-job placement with one of the partnering manufacturers. There are still some spots available. LTKC is also welcoming applications for start dates in January and March, 2015. The Elevate program is open to applicants with a high school diploma as well as those who have not completed high school, and candidates who may have credentials from another country.
“We are very pleased to be collaborating with Vantage Foods and Canadian Blast Freezers on this important project,” said Loyalist College President and CEO Maureen Piercy. “This is a wonderful example of how Loyalist works closely with industry partners to provide practical placement experiences for our students, putting their knowledge to work in a real-world environment.”
The food and beverage processing industry is currently facing a skills gap, with at least 30,000 new positions to be filled over the next several years, according to Essential Skills Ontario.
“This is a great tuition-free opportunity for anyone in the Quinte region who is unemployed and wants to upgrade their skills,” noted Chuck O’Malley, Corporate Account Manager, Loyalist Training and Knowledge Centre. “In six weeks they will have the practical skills they need for employment in the food and beverage processing industry — the largest manufacturing sector in our region and in the province.”
Interested applicants can learn more about the program by calling 613-969-1913 ext. 2294 or emailing Neil Dick at ndick@loyalistc.on.ca.
About Loyalist College
Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, Loyalist College is a close-knit community where students and their success come first. Internationally renowned for its enriched student learning and living experiences, Loyalist provides personalized attention in small classes, rewarding field placements and superior success services. To prepare students for in-demand careers, Loyalist offers 65 full-time programs; apprenticeships; and more than 500 online, distance and in-class courses, as well as opportunities for continuing education through more than 70 university transfer agreements. The College’s wide selection of advanced diplomas, diplomas and certificates aligns with market-driven disciplines including applied sciences, biosciences, building sciences, business and management studies, health sciences, human studies, justice studies, media, arts and design, and skills and technology. In Ontario, the College’s new Digital Media Centre and the LEED® Silver certified Sustainable Skills, Technology and Life Sciences Centre are training centres of choice for students, as well as College business and industry partners. For more information on the College’s Belleville and Bancroft campuses, visit loyalistcollege.com.
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Contact: Kerry Lorimer, Director, Marketing and Communications,
Loyalist College, klorimer@loyalistc.on.ca, 613-969-1913 ext. 2536