Imagine learning to fly a new aircraft without leaving the ground. Or practicing state-of-the-art shipbuilding techniques years before construction begins. Nova Scotia's aerospace and defence sector will soon have access to these cutting-edge and cost-effective training techniques.
Bluedrop Performance Learning Inc. is building a $2.3 million defence training and simulation centre that will be the first of its kind in Canada. The province will invest $1.7 million in the project, which will create more than 30 jobs.
"The increasing cluster of defence businesses in Nova Scotia gives us the opportunity to collaborate globally, making this expansion a strategic part of our growth plans," says Bluedrop Vice President Allen Dillon. "This facility will leverage the best technologies, researchers and higher learning institutions, and marry these assets with aviation and defence expertise to provide the very best training solutions in the industry."
The facility will have a simulations lab, a classroom/theatre and an area to develop advanced course software. The project will enhance Nova Scotia's position as a leader in the aerospace and defence sector.
"Provincial support for the cluster of defence and aerospace companies continues to attract exciting new businesses to Nova Scotia and the region," says Steve Elder, president of the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Nova Scotia. "The province's commitment to the sector and, in this instance, Bluedrop's strategic growth initiative in Halifax, is another example of success that will provide for recognition of our industry around the globe."
Bluedrop plans to work with university and college students to fill highly skilled defence and aerospace jobs.
The province's investment is a 10-year, interest-bearing repayable loan from the Nova Scotia Jobs Fund.
"Some of the best innovation is taking place in businesses across Nova Scotia and often all these companies need to get to the next level is access to capital," says Economic and Rural Development Minister Percy Paris. "Making smart, strategic investments that help our companies become more internationally competitive is an important part of jobsHere, the plan to grow our economy."
