COMMISSION SCOLAIRE EASTERN SHORES
A Brand-new Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) Now Available in Gaspésie

Pioneers in vocational training, the Centre de services scolaires des Chic- Chocs (CSSCC) and the Eastern Shores School Board (ESSB) have enthusiastically unveiled an important addition to their map of vocational programs, officially announcing the upcoming arrival of the diploma of vocational studies (DVS) in Construction Equipment Operation (CEO).

This morning (Oct 15), in the presence of Gaspé Deputy, Mr. Stéphane Sainte-Croix, the two organizations presented the details of the Construction Equipment Operation DVS, which will be offered at the Centre de formation de La Haute-Gaspésie in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, and at The Anchor Adult Education and Vocational Training Centre in New Carlisle.

The union of the two organizations has made it possible to bring together the vital forces in education in the community, representing here a prime example of the benefits generated by the mutualization of resources and the implementation of collaborative participation that can go far beyond expectations.

"This new training offer in the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie-Iles-de-la-Madeleine regions will play a key role in bringing more people into the job market, in an important construction trade. I am therefore very pleased to have authorized these two organizations to offer this program of study, in a concrete and dynamic learning environment, to students from these regions," emphasizes Bernard Drainville, Minister of Education.

"This wonderful adventure will provide participants with the skills they need to actively contribute to building Quebec's future. The government and the two organizations' vocational training departments are thus creating an opportunity for those seeking career guidance and who wish to thrive in an exciting profession that meets a need," explains Mr. Stéphane Sainte-Croix, Gaspé Deputy.

What a great example of collaboration! Our communities can be delighted to have a training offer in Construction Equipment Operation. This announcement reflects the needs of our communities in every aspect, as well as being beneficial for our region. Training based on innovative technology is a win- win situation for future students," says Mrs. Catherine Blouin, Bonaventure Deputy.

The introduction of the Construction Equipment Operation program is also an opportunity to develop new opportunities and create synergy with partners in the region, as the mutualization of resources becomes a collective asset that maximizes the benefits for our communities. And let's not forget that for the greater Gaspésie, vocational training plays a crucial role in the development of many communities.

Over the past few years, the two organizations have developed solid expertise in vocational training. For the Centre de services scolaires des Chic-Chocs, the relocation of the Construction Equipment Operation program with the Centre de services scolaires des Navigateurs, which currently offers this training, has enabled the CSSCC to acquire expertise in this sector. The Eastern Shore School Board, for its part, had provisional authorization to offer this vocational training.

The joining of forces, the deep desire to collaborate and their shared vision of developing their respective program maps enabled them to put in place the elements leading to the implementation of training in Construction Equipment Operation for Francophone, Anglophone and Aboriginal clienteles.

This Diploma of Vocational Studies meets a strong demand and will help meet the needs of construction companies in the region. "This collaboration between our two organizations demonstrates our commitment to offering long-term, sustainable quality training adapted to the needs of this sector of activity in our community, and I'm delighted for the students in our region, who will see their vocational training offer enhanced," says Mrs. Josée Synnott, Director General Interim of the CSSCC.

Employment Outlook

Employment prospects for the next few years are excellent for the construction sector, and thus for shovel and heavy machinery operators, occupations that will be in high demand in the upcoming years. At the same time, companies in the region are reporting a shortage of workers in this field, limiting their ability to bid on other projects and optimize their operations.

"For example, in a recent study, the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ) noted that, given the expected retirements, job opportunities for construction equipment operators are very good in the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie regions. I'm delighted that this program will enable young graduates to find work in their own communities, thereby countering the exodus of young people to the big cities," emphasizes Mrs. Josée Synnott.

It should be noted that considerable investments will be made in Eastern Quebec over the next few years to upgrade infrastructures, particularly in the industrial, institutional, commercial and mining sectors. Future graduates will thus be able to meet some of the workforce needs.

By offering this training program to young people, they can pursue their studies in a field with very promising prospects. Mrs. Denise Simoneau, Director General of the Eastern Shores School Board, added: "Thanks to our facilities and infrastructure, students have the opportunity to learn on machinery and operate on exceptional worksites." 

About the DVS in Construction Equipment Operation

With a duration of 1095 hours, this program provides the knowledge, skills and aptitudes needed to competently perform tasks related to heavy machinery operation. The program will offer comprehensive training adapted to the professional reality of both organizations, which rely on advanced technology to maximize quality and facilitate student recruitment.

This partnership project has been carried out in close collaboration with a number of key players in the education community, to reflect the realities of the job market as closely as possible. This highly gratifying news for the school service center and the school board is the fruit of numerous steps taken in the past by a number of stakeholders to integrate the Construction Equipment Operator training into the program maps of both organizations. In fact, over forty different partners have lent their support to this training program. The senior management of both organizations (CSSCC and ESSB) and the deputy thanked all those involved for their efforts and perseverance. "Special thanks are due to all those who, over the years, have contributed to making this project a reality," concluded Mrs. Denise Simoneau, Mrs. Josée Synnott, Mrs. Catherine Blouin, Bonaventure Deputy, and Mr. Stéphane Sainte-Croix, Gaspé Deputy.