The province is putting nearly $1 million behind the expansion of the Office for Indigenous and Northern Skilled Trades, operated by Trades NL.

Just over $910,000 will be used to both expand the office into Corner Brook and St. John’s, and maintain the existing one in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Government says new and emerging construction opportunities across the province influenced the decision.

They say the offices will ensure that programs, policies, procedures, and reporting mechanisms support both status and non-status Indigenous people.

The original office in Happy Valley-Goose Bay was opened in 2020 with a mandate of reaching 15 per cent Indigenous representation in building and construction trades in the province.

Qalipu First Nation Chief Brendan Mitchell says the announcement is great news.

Mining and wind are areas where Indigenous people need to have the skills to take those jobs.