Businesses looking to upgrade their staff's skills can turn to a new provincial program to help cover the cost.
The provincial government is looking to help Manitoban's "move to the next stage of economic recovery." Economic Development and Jobs Minister Jon Reyes is announcing businesses can receive reimbursements for up to $2,500 per employee, for a maximum of $75,000, for training.
"The pandemic forced businesses to deal with economic disruptions that will have long-lasting effects on the local, national, and global economies," Reyes says in a Monday press conference at a real estate business's office. "Our government is happy to support businesses that are assisting employees that want to expand their skills."
A total of $12.5 million will go towards the "Retrain Manitoba" program. This includes training with start dates ranging from April 1 of this year to August 31 of next year.
"We know this program will have a positive impact on companies of all sizes including right here at Colliers," Economic Development Winnipeg President and CEO Dayna Spiring says. "We know the way forward past this pandemic is giving businesses the tools they need to stay competitive."
She adds that Chuck Davidson, the President of the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce, played a role in the program's creation.
In an email statement, Manitoba Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration Minister Wayne Ewasko says 'This investment will go a long way to helping businesses support employees who are looking to expand their skills so they can diversify and grow our economy.”