Technology

Call for Proposals: Investing in Green and Innovative Union Training for Thousands of Tradespeople

Published

6 months ago

June 21, 2024

GATINEAU, QC, June 21, 2024 /CNW/ – Canadian tradespeople are working hard to ensure Canada wins the global race for economic opportunity, as we advance towards net-zero while also charting a path to sustainably building over 3.8 million new homes by 2031. The Government of Canada is investing to ensure our workforce is ready to help build these homes, clean power plants, electric vehicles, and much more.

Today, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, alongside Ministers Wilkinson and O’Regan, launched a call for proposals under the new Sustainable Jobs Stream of the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy’s Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP). An investment of over $95 million over five years will help unions and their partners provide green training to approximately 20,000 apprentices and journeypersons. This call for proposals will be open until September 5, 2024.

As part of this funding, a separate agreement with the Government of Quebec will support the Province in implementing a program that accounts for the unique features of Quebec’s apprenticeship system. The activities funded in Quebec will align with those delivered elsewhere in Canada.

Through this investment, tradespeople will be better equipped to keep pace with the job skills that are in high demand, as industries shift to low-carbon alternatives, and global partners seek to buy Canadian clean technologies. This call for proposals complements the investment in the Sustainable Jobs Training Fund, which support tens of thousands of workers to upgrade or gain new skills for jobs in the low-carbon economy.

The UTIP Sustainable Jobs Stream is part of a new focus under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy to respond to the skilled trades workforce’s most pressing needs, including addressing barriers to successful entry, supporting progression and completion of apprenticeship, addressing the housing crisis, and increasing net-zero construction to unlock Canada’s economic potential.

To help address the growing need for skilled trades workers, Budget 2024 announced the Government’s intention to deliver a historic $90 million investment for the Apprenticeship Service to support small and medium-sized employers in creating placements for apprentices and $10 million for the Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness Program to encourage Canadians to explore and prepare for careers in the skilled trades.

The Government of Canada invests nearly $1 billion annually in apprenticeship supports through grants, loans, tax credits, Employment Insurance benefits during in-school training, project funding, and support for the Red Seal program to help build a robust skilled trades workforce for the future that is inclusive, certified and productive.

As part of the Government of Canada’s Sustainable Jobs Plan, today’s call for proposals under the Union Training and Innovation Program represents a vital contribution to a suite of measures that is unlocking Canadian leadership in growing low-carbon industries, and creating good-paying, sustainable jobs from coast to coast to coast.

Quotes

“Skilled tradespeople carry out crucial work to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. Investing in the Sustainable Jobs Stream will help thousands of workers across Canada develop the skills needed for green jobs – meaning more work for Canadians and a lower carbon footprint for the country.”
– Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, The Honourable Randy Boissonnault

“Canadian workers and industries are seizing economic opportunities as we build thriving low-carbon industries and more sustainable communities. This call for proposals under the Union Training and Innovation Program will contribute to Canada’s Sustainable Jobs plan while equipping more Canadian tradespeople with the skills and supports they need to build a more prosperous and sustainable future for Canada.”
– Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson

“There are so many new jobs and new opportunities in Canadian energy. Workers want in. They’re ready to lead the world and build Canada’s prosperous future. With training led by workers themselves, they will.”
– Minister of Labour and Seniors, The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr

Quick Facts

The UTIP Sustainable Jobs Stream and the Sustainable Jobs Training Fund are part of Canada’s comprehensive sustainable jobs approach, as outlined in the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act and interim Sustainable Jobs Plan for 2023–2025, which guides Canada’s efforts to move to a net-zero emissions economy.Bill C-50, the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act has now received Royal Assent, paving the way for workers, industries, Indigenous peoples and other Canadians to engage with Canada’s Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council and Secretariat in the development of the 2025 Sustainable Jobs Action Plan. This historic legislation holds current and future governments accountable while charting a path for Canadian workers to thrive and succeed on the path to a more sustainable and prosperous future.Some examples of industries where tradespeople with green training are required include in low-carbon building construction, clean energy deployment, and across the zero-emission vehicles and battery supply chain. Home retrofits and new builds increasingly require construction workers to be equipped with specialized skills to work on energy efficient high-performing buildings. Automotive service technicians need skills to work with electric and hybrid vehicles.According to a Canadian Labour Congress and Pembina Institute report, clean energy jobs could make up approximately 10% of employment, or a total of 2 million direct and indirect jobs, in a 2050 net-zero scenario.The Royal Bank of Canada estimates that building a net-zero-emissions economy could create up to 400,000 new jobs in Canada by the end of this decade alone.According to data from the Education and Labour Market Longitudinal Platform, more than half of apprentices in Red Seal trades in Canada in 2021 worked in the construction sector, the majority of which contributed to the construction of homes.BuildForce Canada’s data suggests the residential construction sector will be short 41,200 workers over the next 10 years.According to a 2022 Royal Bank report, approximately 40% of new jobs in the trades, transport and equipment occupations will need an enhanced skillset.

Associated Links

UTIP Sustainable Jobs Stream – Apply for funding
About the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy
About the Union Training and Innovation Program
Sustainable Jobs Training Fund
Sustainable Jobs – Natural Resources Canada
Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan
Budget 2024
Canada.ca/skilled-trades

Backgrounder

Union Training and Innovation Program – Sustainable Jobs Stream

The Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) is delivered under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, which aims to support a trade workforce that is skilled, inclusive, certified and productive. UTIP supports union-based apprenticeship training, innovation and enhanced partnerships in the Red Seal trades.

The new Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) Sustainable Jobs Stream supports the Government’s Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act and interim 2023-2025 Sustainable Jobs Plan and will invest $95 million over five years to fund projects that support unions in leading the development of green training for workers in the trades.

Projects will:

develop and deliver green training for journeypersons and apprentices in the Red Seal trades that will help to reduce Canada’s emissions, enhance partnerships in the Red Seal trades to support a robust trade and apprenticeship ecosystem in Canada.

Green training aims to:

support the development of knowledge, competencies and experience needed to enable environmental sustainability of economic activities;contribute to reducing pollution;contribute to natural resources conservation; or,support sustainable and resource-efficient projects.

Green training can include:

technical knowledge and skills that are specialized and specific, often required to perform new tasks or jobs as a result of changes in greener technologies, practices, or standards. For example, skills to install and maintain heat pumps.knowledge of environmental sustainability concepts, systems, processes, or practices, such as environmental regulations, resource-efficient production processes and systems, environmental awareness, or waste management, to support the application and adaptation of current trade activities, skills, and knowledge. For example, industrial Mechanics (Millwrights) will gain knowledge on renewable energy systems, such as hydroelectric generation plants or wind turbines, to install, repair, and maintain equipment.

As part of this funding, a separate agreement with the Government of Quebec (in French only) will support the Province in implementing a program that accounts for the unique features of Quebec’s apprenticeship system. The activities funded in Quebec will align with those delivered elsewhere in Canada.

SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

Technology

Lichen China Limited Announces $2.8 Million Registered Direct Offering

Published

1 hour ago

December 26, 2024

XIAMEN, China, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Lichen China Limited (Nasdaq: LICN) (“Lichen China” or the “Company”), a dedicated financial and taxation service provider in China today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with several investors for the purchase and sale of an aggregate of 20,000,000 of the Company’s Class A ordinary share, par value $0.00004 per share (the “Shares”) (or pre-funded warrants in lieu thereof) at a purchase price of $0.14 per share in a registered direct offering. The purchase price for the pre-funded warrants is identical to the purchase price for Shares, less the exercise price of $0.001 per share.

The aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of this offering are expected to be approximately $2.8 million. The transaction is expected to close on or about December 27, 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

Univest Securities, LLC is acting as the sole placement agent.

The registered direct offering is being made pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-277230) previously filed by the Company and declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 1, 2024. A final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus describing the terms of the proposed offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website located at http://www.sec.gov. Electronic copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be obtained, when available, by contacting Univest Securities, LLC at info@univest.us, or by calling +1 (212) 343-8888.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor will there be any sales of such securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. Copies of the prospectus supplement relating to the registered direct offering, together with the accompanying base prospectus will be filed by the Company and, upon filing, can be obtained at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

About Lichen China Limited

Lichen China Limited focuses on providing financial and taxation solution services, education support services, and software and maintenance services under its “Lichen” brand. In recognition of the Company’s expertise and experience in the financial and taxation solution services industry for over 18 years, the Company has built up its reputation as a dedicated financial and taxation solution services provider of professional and high-quality services in China. For more information, please visit the Company’s website: https://ir.lichenzx.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and in its other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

For more information, please contact:

Tian Sun
Phone: +86-0592-5586999
Email: ir@lichenzx.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lichen-china-limited-announces-2-8-million-registered-direct-offering-302339364.html

SOURCE Lichen China Limited

Technology

Elvis Birthday Celebration tour kicks off at the Miniaci Performing Arts Center January 5th

Published

2 hours ago

December 26, 2024

This January 8th would have been the King’s Birthday. Gone but never forgotten, his image, music, films and memories live on as a testament to his true effect and influence on his generation and future generations to come. Keeping the memory alive at countless venues throughout the country, Chris MacDonald lovingly shares the magic of the “King of Rock-n-Roll” with his full production tribute Memories of Elvis Rockin Birthday Bash

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Elvis Presley Birthday Celebration Florida Tour kicks off at the Miniaci Performing Arts Center at Nova Southeastern University Davie Campus on January 5th with Chris MacDonald’s Memories of Elvis Rockin Birthday Bash, a multi-media full production tribute celebrating the life and music of the King of Rock-n-Roll.

“Adding to the authenticity of his tribute, Chris has the honor of being the only tribute artist hired by Elvis Presley Enterprises to perform at Graceland’s Heartbreak Hotel.”

This January 8th would have been the King’s Birthday. Gone but never forgotten, his image, music, films and memories live on as a testament to his true effect and influence on his generation and future generations to come. The original American Rock-n-Roll Idol who influenced the Beatles, The Rolling Stones and anyone that has ever picked up a guitar or a microphone since, continues to engage our love affair with his all American story of a shy poor and humble country boy that became the King of Rock-n-Roll. Elvis Presley, recognized by TIME magazine as the “Artist of the 20th Century,” has sold more records than any other artist or group in the history of modern music. Even after death, his image and music continue to be loved and celebrated throughout the world. With the critically acclaimed big screen biopic “Elvis” by director Baz Luhrmann starring Austin Butler as Elvis and Tom Hanks as Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis’s music and charisma are once again in the spotlight for a whole new generation and there’s no sign of the King leaving the building of Rock-n-Roll icon status.

Keeping the memory alive at countless venues throughout the country, Chris MacDonald lovingly shares the magic of the “King of Rock-n-Roll” with his full production tribute Memories of Elvis. Chris’s show is not an overdone impersonation. It is a natural heartfelt tribute to a legendary performer and music icon. With his dynamic production band, Chris MacDonald draws his audience in with the look, sounds, and nuances that made Elvis the King of Rock-n- Roll!

Adding to the authenticity of his tribute, Chris MacDonald has the honor of being the only tribute artist hired by Elvis Presley Enterprises to perform at Graceland’s Heartbreak Hotel. An energetic and experienced entertainer, MacDonald has also starred in the famous “Legends in Concert” stage productions and has performed in Branson, MO, and Las Vegas, NV. Chris has also performed in Concert with Elvis Presley’s original back up group The Jordanaires and D.J. Fontana Elvis original drummer “The Beat Behind The King” at the famous Seminole Hard Rock Live Concert Venue in Hollywood Florida and other venues throughout the country.

With this newly updated production, the show will include costume changes and songs representing the different stages of Elvis’s incredible career including the 1950′s, the Movies, the 1968 Comeback and the 1970′s White Fringe Vegas Concerts. It’s all a part of this fun loving tribute to one of the greatest entertainers of all time.

Get “All shook up” and celebrate the life and music of the King of Rock-n-Roll with Chris MacDonald’s Memories of Elvis Rockin Birthday Bash.

Florida Tour Dates:

January 5, 2025 2pm (Sunday)

Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center

Nova Southeastern University

3100 Ray Ferrero Junior Boulevard,

Davie, FL 33314

Box Office: 954-462-0222

https://www.miniacipac.com/events/detail/chris-macdonalds-memories-of-elvis-rockin-birthday-bash-2025

January 16, 2025 7:30 pm (Thursday)

Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall

Southwestern State College

13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33919

Box Office: 800-440-7469 • 239-481-4849

https://www.bbmannpah.com/events/detail/chris-macdonalds-memories-of-elvis-2025-fort-myers

January 18, 2025 7:30 pm (Saturday)

Sunrise Theatre

117 S 2nd Street, Fort Pierce, FL 34950

Box office: 772-461-4775

https://www.sunrisetheatre.com/shows/memories-of-elvis-rockin-birthday-bash/

Media Contact

Donna Oz, CME Inc, 1 954341-6005, info@chrismacdonaldselvis.com, https://www.elvispresleystory.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/elvis-birthday-celebration-tour-kicks-off-at-the-miniaci-performing-arts-center-january-5th-302338539.html

SOURCE CME Inc; CME Inc

Technology

VIVOTEK Wins Double Honors for Its Commitment to Sustainability

Published

3 hours ago

December 26, 2024

TAIPEI, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — VIVOTEK (3454-TW), the global leading security solution provider, has once again demonstrated its outstanding commitment to sustainability. Participating for the first time in the 17th Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Awards (TCSA), VIVOTEK emerged victorious, earning the Sustainability Report Award for the Information, Communication, and Broadcasting Industry and the Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Excellence Award. These recognitions showcase VIVOTEK’s remarkable success in corporate governance, environmental protection, and social responsibility, affirming its dedication to sustainable growth.

Pioneering Sustainability with Dual Recognition

“For over seven years, VIVOTEK has independently published sustainability reports, actively driving and disclosing our internal sustainability initiatives.” said Allen Hsieh, VIVOTEK’s Spokesperson and Director of the Global Marketing Division. “These awards not only recognize our integrity and efforts in presenting operational performance, environmental data, and social impact but also serve as a strong motivation for us to continue advancing on the path of sustainable development.”

Driving Sustainability through AI Innovation

VIVOTEK delivers advanced AI-powered security solutions built on cutting-edge AI and edge computing technologies. Beyond innovation, the company drives green initiatives, reduces its carbon footprint, and fosters a sustainable, supportive workplace.

Committed to social responsibility, VIVOTEK leads the security industry’s sustainability efforts through its ‘Safety Map’ initiative. For four years, employees have formed security teams to enhance safety in neighborhoods, care centers, and schools with on-site assessments and improvement plans.

In 2024, VIVOTEK will expand its efforts to Hualien’s Dacheng Village, where it will help improve local safety environments and support cultural preservation and tourism revitalization. These actions reflect its dedication to sustainability, community well-being, and lasting societal contributions.

Security Sustainability as a Foundation for Social Impact

VIVOTEK proudly received two prestigious honors at the Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Awards, highlighting its dedication to sustainable practices. These accolades inspire the company to deepen its internal efforts and mark the start of an exciting new chapter.

Building on this achievement, VIVOTEK aims to strengthen its mission of becoming the world’s most trusted smart security brand. By aligning with global market needs and fostering collaboration with customers, partners, and employees, VIVOTEK is committed to shaping a sustainable future founded on mutual trust and shared success.

To learn more about VIVOTEK’s sustainability initiatives, please refer to the 2023 Sustainability Report.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vivotek-wins-double-honors-for-its-commitment-to-sustainability-302339206.html

SOURCE VIVOTEK Inc.