Labradorians earn college subsidy and become Canadian Forces members

Three Labradorians were among the 21 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to officially join the Canadian Forces (CF) as Non-Commissioned Members (NCM), during an enrolment ceremony on 10 September 2009. The ceremony was held at the Gallipoli Armouries, in Corner Brook.

The three individuals include Shamus King of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, a Naval Weapons Technician, Brad Jones of L'Anse Au Clair, Mobile Support Equipment Operator, and Grant Pye of Lodge Bay, a Naval Weapons Technician.

LCol John MacDonald, Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Newfoundland Regiment officiated as three women and 18 men took the Oath of Allegiance or make the Solemn Affirmation in front of Tom Marshall, Q.C., MHA for Humber East, prominent community members, as well as families and friends.

Six new members are entering the NCM Subsidized Education Plan (NCM SEP), which provides an opportunity for subsidized education to qualifying individuals.

This is normally a two-year program with selected candidates being paid approximately $31,000 in their first year with tuition, books, labs and other expenses covered. Similar costs are covered for the second year however the pay is increased to $37,000.

Upon graduation the candidate is promoted and earns approximately $50,000 per year plus any specialty pay. Candidates can attend a college in most parts of the country. The CF has developed a very good working relationship with the Association of Canadian Community Colleges and is able to identify specifically which colleges can provide the necessary training.