The College of New Caledonia (CNC) will receive $150,000 from the Ministry of Advanced Education to support training for workers impacted by the temporary closure of Endako Mine.

Endako Molybdenum Mine, located in Fraser Lake, suspended its operations on Dec. 31, 2014. The reason was a continued weakness in the molybdenum market. About half of the salaried employees - 40 - were laid off, and all hourly employees - 263 - were provided 60-day work notices.

"From the moment we heard that there was a pending mine suspension in Fraser Lake, we have had a support team on the ground working closely with the community," said Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training.

Training will complement the skills and experience the workers already have, along with helping them develop new skills. Training needs have been an ongoing conversation by various individuals participating in the Fraser Lake Endako worker transition team, facilitated by the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training.

"This funding will provide local training opportunities through the College of New Caledonia to develop skills for in-demand careers here in our region," said MLA for Nechako Lakes John Rustad.

On April 16, 2015, stakeholders held a meeting to identify and discuss options for training and supports. Keys training areas identified included computer training and industry related certificate training.

The College of New Caledonia will provide the majority of training at the Fraser Lake Adult Learning Centre, with some courses provided in Vanderhoof and 亚洲天堂 Lake.

According to Matt Partyka, CNC spokesperson, much of this project is still in development and it is still unclear what kind of courses will be offered specifically at the Lakes District campus.

鈥淎ccess to training programs, such as those offered through the College of New Caledonia, are an important part of assisting those affected to adapt to the changing landscape and develop new skills to succeed," said Bond.

The funding, which is aligned with B.C.'s skills for jobs blueprint, is provided to support towns and retrain workers affected by industry slowdowns or closures.

"The College of New Calodenia is pleased to receive government funding that will help us provide training so impacted workers in Fraser Lake can find new careers," said CNC`s president Henry Reiser.