Quebec is investing $ 1.8 million to train LM Wind Power’s next workers. The wind turbine blade plant intends to train some 800 workers using this sum, including 350 for the major expansion of its Gaspé plant, announced this summer.
Quebec’s investment will allow LM Wind Power in particular to train the employees who will be assigned to the construction of blades for offshore wind turbines, imposing 107-meter pieces.
” [L’aide va permettre] the introduction of new technology to design and manufacture some of the largest wind turbine blades in the world, ”said Minister of Labor, Employment and Social Solidarity, Jean Boulay.
The sums increased by the federal government represent 51% of the cost of training some 800 workers, including 350 over the next three years. LM Wind Power Canada’s Gaspé plant is in the process of recruiting, while work is underway to double the size of the plant.
The expansion, announced with great fanfare this summer by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, is the result of the largest industrial investment in the history of Gaspé. The project is estimated at around 160 million. Ottawa and Quebec have both participated financially in the project, via loans totaling 51 million.
“This is an exciting and interesting project in a strategic sector that will allow the region and Quebec to stand out,” commented Jean Boulet, specifying that the latter “fits well into the aid plan for the hand. -government work. “
Train and court foreign workers
Minister Boulet underlined the importance of temporary foreign workers in the blade factory’s recruitment plan. Since recruiting labor has been a long-standing challenge at LM Wind Power, the company regularly called on foreign workers, especially from the Philippines, to fill various positions.
“The human potential [de ces travailleurs] is extraordinary, ”he commented, adding that they“ may even aspire to become team leaders and other functions. “
The LM Wind Power plant in Gaspé has more than 450 employees.