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Wednesday, October 24, 2012

October 22, 2012

PROVINCE ANNOUNCES NEW SUSTAINABLE ENERGY PROGRAM IN ALTONA

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First-of-its-kind in Manitoba Program Will Prepare Students for Green Jobs: Allan
ALTONA—An innovative new program at W.C. Miller Collegiate will introduce students in the region to the skills needed to work at green jobs, Education Minister Nancy Allan announced here today.
“Demand for skilled labour in Manitoba continues to grow, particularly in the emerging industries of the green economy,” said Allan.  “With its focus on energy sources that are common in Manitoba, the Sustainable Energy Program, a first in Manitoba, offers students an introduction to the core skills needed to work in these industries and trades.”
The program includes eight courses on sustainable/green energy and is available to all students in the Red River Technical Vocational Area, which includes the Border Land, Garden Valley, Red River Valley and Western school divisions as well as the Division scolaire franco-manitobaine.
Instruction will focus on four main technology areas including heating and electrical systems such as biomass, wind, geothermal and solar.  Wind and biomass are the two most common types of renewable energies in southern Manitoba.
The provincial government has provided $30,000 towards program development through the Technical Vocational Initiative and Allan announced $50,000 in new funding to purchase equipment for the current school year.
“Green businesses and jobs help to protect our natural resources and enhance our global competitiveness,” said Allan.  “This investment will help to ensure that Manitoba is well-positioned to participate in the new global green economy.”
The program was developed in partnership between the Borderland School Division, the Red River Technical Vocational Area and the provincial government.
The new program meets the key priorities of TomorrowNow – Manitoba’s Green Plan, an eight-year strategic plan for protecting the environment while ensuring a prosperous and environmentally conscious economy, said Allan.
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