Export Program Targets Technology Industry Growth

Mar 1, 2017 | News

Federal government invests close to $370,000 in program to match graduates with export-focussed technology companies

March 1, 2017 – St. John’s, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Technology Industries (NATI) is offering a program which pairs post-secondary graduates trained in international business development with growing technology businesses as a way to advance the industry.

During an event today, Seamus O’Regan, Member of Parliament for St. John’s South-Mount Pearl, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced an investment of close to $370,000 from ACOA’s Business Development Program for NATI to deliver the Export Internship Program.

This investment will enable NATI to provide work opportunities for recent graduates by matching up to 11 interns with small- to medium-sized businesses in the province’s advanced technology industry. The interns will work within the companies to help strengthen their export performance by developing export strategies, undertaking market and sector research and participating in international business development activities.

NATI is a not-for-profit industry association representing Newfoundland and Labrador’s advanced technology industry. The organization provides leadership through policy development, by connecting businesses in the industry and offering business development support in areas such as export development.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada believes that public investments like this one spur economic growth by equipping advanced technology companies with in-house export assistance to help them advance and contribute further to the economy. Our government also understands that innovation is about investing in people and focusing on lifelong learning through opportunities such as internships, which help graduates find meaningful employment.”

  • The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“This initiative is a great way to provide new graduates with practical, hands-on work experience in trade and investment while also fulfilling a need within Newfoundland and Labrador’s dynamic technology industry. The Government of Canada supports NATI’s efforts to help advanced technology businesses to grow, innovate and export so that they can create good quality jobs in this region.”

  • Seamus O’Regan, Member of Parliament, St. John’s South-Mount Pearl

“At NATI, we are focused on accelerating the long-term sustainable growth of the technology sector within Newfoundland and Labrador – which in turn, contributes to a strong, diverse and globalized provincial economy. This investment from ACOA will empower technology firms to become more competitive at a global level, while increasing the local talent pool in a sustainable manner.”

  • Ajay Pande, Chair, NATI

Contacts

Paul McGrath
Director, Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca

Dyanna McCarthy
Marketing and Business Development Coordinator
NATI
709-757-3251
dyanna@nati.net

Source:Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency