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The University College of the North (UCN) celebrated the grand opening of the Swan Valley Workforce Development Centre at a ceremony held on December 17, 2018. Following in the footsteps of the very successful Northern Workforce Development Centre in Thompson, the Swan Valley Workforce Development Centre will be a mechanism through which UCN will meet the specific training opportunities of industry to meet labour market needs.

“The Swan Valley Workforce Development Centre will serve as the direct link between UCN and the training needs of our industry partners and stakeholders in Swan River and the surrounding area” said Doug Lauvstad, President and Vice-Chancellor, UCN. “This Centre ensures that UCN continues to be a participatory member in the economic development of the communities we serve”.

Inviting industry partners and stakeholders to shape the kinds of training opportunities offered through the new Centre is a key component of the successful model seen in Thompson. Continuing to meet labour market demand and being a driver of the local economy is critical.

“This announcement is great news for any area employer and members of our community. The ever changing work requirements and competitive job market makes it difficult for us to find the skilled workforce we require in an industrial setting. We have built a relationship with UCN over the years and this offering right here in the Swan River Valley will further improve our success at Louisiana Pacific and the other major employers in the Valley” said Kevin Betcher, Plant Manager, Louisiana Pacific.

The work of connecting training opportunities with industry needs will begin immediately. The Swan Valley Workforce Development Centre will be housed in UCN’s Swan River Regional Centre.