July 2, 2009

With no local training board in Algoma region, the Algoma Workforce Investment Committee (AWIC) Project began in 2004- 2005.  Dan Friyia is the Chair of the Committee, which was established to make a difference in understanding and responding to labour issues within the region.  The partnership represents twenty-five agencies, labour groups and private sector members.  To date, skills gap studies have been conducted in the construction and in the hospitality industries and new post secondary courses are offered as a result.  With labour shortages throughout the region, AWIC offers a regional forum to develop innovative strategies to address the shortages.

A number of people within the region are benefitting from the Committee.  The twenty-five members have benefited, the students taking the new courses have benefitted and the private sector partners that are looking to attract and train labour are benefitting.

A number of innovative projects, including industrial consortiums, learning center feasibility studies, community consultations, and regional worker attraction materials are having a long-term impact on the community.  Just the existence of a board dedicated to these issues is providing the opportunity for Algoma to respond in a cohesive manner.

AWIC has had the support from the Superior East Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC), the East Algoma CFDC and the Sault Ste. Marie & Area CDC.

For more information, contact:
Dan Friyia, Chair
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.