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110 1 Avenue South Box 360 Vulcan, AB T0L 2B0 P. 403-485-4147 F. 403-485-4130 www.vulcaninnovation.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 3, 2011 Contact: Alan Pasolli Phone: 403-485-4147 Cell: 403-382-1122 Email: alan@vulcanbusiness.ca
VULCAN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY AND LETHBRIDGE COLLEGE STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP Carmangay Wind Farm Construction Creates Need for Local Employability Training For almost 3 years Vulcan Business Development Society, through its Vulcan Innovation Project, and Lethbridge College (LC) have had a successful partnership to deliver college programs to Vulcan County. Now that partnership is even stronger as LC now has a Community Liaison for Vulcan County. Alan Pasolli, Program Coordinator for Vulcan Innovation Project (VIP), will also represent LC as the Community Liaison. “With the college we have used some really innovative methods to deliver courses to our communities with very good results,” says Pasolli. “Because of that success, we are going to offer a wider variety of programs this fall.” Another reason for expanding the program and course offerings is the construction of the Blackspring Ridge wind farm near Carmangay. “There will be a real need for trained people for the construction and maintenance of the wind farm, and we will have training opportunities in our own community,” says Pasolli. In order to deal with the increased needs, LC and VBDS have reached an agreement where Pasolli will share his time between the two organizations. “Because of our past success with LC and the need to maintain and sustain program delivery, there was real need to have a presence from the college in the community,” says Leslie Warren, Economic Development Officer for VBDS. “Since Alan had already been working closely with the college, it was natural that they hire him as their Community Liaison.” “The addition of the wind farm is a real economic benefit for Vulcan County,” say Warren. “With the job opportunities created by its construction and maintenance, our partnership with LC has us well positioned to provide the training needs. And having an LC Community Liaison enhances the process.” Already VIP and LC have delivered several courses such as the renowned Wind Turbine Technician program, Renewable Energy, Pre-Employment Welding, and Residential Construction Framing, to name a few. “We are going to continue those programs because they fit so well with the needs for the wind farm construction,” says Pasolli, “but there is also more that we will be doing.” Safety training is something that will be necessary for workers. “Some safety training is already being done in the county through Vulcan County Adult Learning (VCAL), so rather than us duplicating
Partners in Innovation:
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110 1 Avenue South Box 360 Vulcan, AB T0L 2B0 P. 403-485-4147 F. 403-485-4130 www.vulcaninnovation.com
their efforts we’ll work with them for program delivery,” says Pasolli, “and our partnership with the college allows us to bring in even more safety training programs to our community.” Another key partner with VIP has been Palliser Regional Schools. “We have a room dedicated for our use at County Central High in Vulcan,” says Pasolli. “That is a huge benefit to our program. Having a quality facility for program delivery is important, and the people at Palliser and CCHS see the benefits to providing continuing education and training in our community. Great to see.” Programs will be offered in a variety of trades starting in the fall of 2011. “There will be a demand for welders, carpenters, electricians, concrete workers to name a few,” says Pasolli. “Providing training locally makes it so much easier for people in the communities to get their foot in the door for a job. And although the wind farm construction has not started, having the proper training beforehand really enhances persons’ employability.” For more information about VIP and LC, or for more information about courses, contact Pasolli at 403-485-4147 or alan@vulcanbusiness.ca. Information is also available at www.vulcaninnovation.com. ### If you'd like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview call 403-485-4147 or email alan@vulcanbusiness.ca
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