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News/Media

For Immediate Release

September 25, 2003

Community Leaders Show Support for New Bay Area Learning Centre

Burlington, ON - Halton’s newest, landmark education and training facility, The Bay Area Learning Centre, received a strong showing of support from over 140 business, community and social service leaders at its official launch on Wednesday, September 24.

The morning’s events, which included a formal ribbon cutting ceremony, facility tour and speaker presentations were attended by a number of dignitaries including Burlington Mayor Robert MacIssac; Human Resources Development Canada, Peel-Halton-Dufferin Director, Marg Garey; Halton District School Board Chair, Ethel Gardiner; Halton District School Board Director of Education, Dr. Dusty Papke; Williams Residential Design and Construction President, John Williams and The Centre for Skills Development & Training’s Executive Director, Kathy Mills.

“Access to a skilled labour force and quality education is a big factor in corporate decisions these days, especially when it comes to where companies are going to locate. In my view, to have this facility here in Burlington is a feather in our cap,” said Mayor MacIssac. “I am confident that The Bay Area Learning Centre is going to be a really vital component of our city’s economic development strategy going forward.”

While touring the 93,000 square foot facility, which features a combination of office, meeting and training and classroom space as well as large manufacturing, electrical and construction shops, invited guests had an opportunity to visit various interactive and promotional displays that were set up throughout the building.

Developed as a partnership centre by The Centre for Skills Development & Training (The Centre), with strong support from both the Regional and Municipal governments, The Bay Area Learning Centre offers a continuum of quality education, training and career development services. It is currently head office to The Centre - Burlington and home to QCIC, WorkWay, The Centre for Education and Training, The Claireville School, The Literacy Council of Burlington, The Halton Learning Foundation, The Ontario March of Dimes, Newcomer Information Centre, Pathways Childcare Centre, Sheridan College – Placements Plus, FibreWired and Suburban Carpet.

“This Centre for Skills Development & Training is establishing a new way of doing business that focuses on partnership and collaboration – with a focus on client service. It is an exciting concept,” said School Board Chair Ethel Gardiner. “I am confident that The Bay Area Learning Centre will thrive and expand to play an even more important role in meeting the needs of our communities, businesses and citizens in Halton.”

The Centre for Skills Development & Training is a leading provider of quality career and workforce development programs, products and services specializing in Pre-Apprenticeship Trades and Technology, Career Planning and Development and Language Skills and Academic Upgrading.