Government of Canada support will help marine sector professional organization promote careers in the ocean industry
St. John’s – Atlantic Canada’s ocean economy creates good, highly skilled jobs and represents tremendous growth potential in the region and in international markets. Within the next ten years, Canada’s ocean workforce is expected to experience a significant turnover in employment, with estimates that close to half of the workforce will retire. To help address this, the Government of Canada is investing in the Council of Marine Professional Associates (COMPASS) in Newfoundland and Labrador to promote marine sector careers among the province’s younger generations.
Funding to address talent needs and create awareness of marine industry jobs
Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, on behalf of Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced an investment of $170,000 for COMPASS.
This non-repayable contribution will help the non-profit organization assess industry talent needs and prepare younger generations of workers to enter the rapidly evolving marine industry. Through this project, COMPASS will foster and strengthen oceans-related education and digital skills among Newfoundland and Labrador youth to help build a robust and skilled ocean workforce. This announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to develop Atlantic Canada’s high growth potential sectors – such as the ocean and technology sector – to enhance the economy and create a thriving and prosperous region.
“Atlantic Canada’s ocean industries are among our strongest assets. This investment will help maximize ocean-related opportunities for our future generations. As the ocean sector continues to grow in our communities and globally, it is very important that we build a skilled workforce to keep the momentum flowing and ensure we remain competitive.” – Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA