SkillsPass could become a four-year project and create 50 jobs in Atlantic Canada, the province said in a news release.
The SkillsPass technology lets workers and employers manage, track and validate current credentials on demand, in one place, and share with employers, the release said.
Bluedrop currently employs 180 people, with more than 90 per cent of employees located in Atlantic Canada.
The province said the project will build on the lifelong learning profile in the SmartForceNL program used by the Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, and could expand to other departments.
In February, Bluedrop received a $3-million loan from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
Bluedrop is one of 39 Atlantic Canadian firms currently participating in the Accelerated Growth Service, launched in 2016 as part of the federal Innovation and Skills Plan.
Bluedrop Performance Learning Inc. (TSX-V: BPL) develops workplace e-learning and simulation, as well as methods for the way large organizations deliver, track and manage training. Its two divisions serve international aerospace and defence organizations as well as organizations focused on managing system -wide health and safety and developing the skills of external workforces.
Bluedrop is headquartered in St. John’s and has offices in Halifax, N.S., and Fredericton, N.B.
According to the new release, the company’s technology platforms already serve users in roughly 100 countries.
“It is remarkable that we have over 100,000 users with over 100,000 course completions being managed on Bluedrop's platform in all four Atlantic Province,” said Emad Rizkalla, Bluedrop's founder and CEO.
“The SkillsPass workers passport technology will make our region the global leaders in lifelong skills management and upskilling. As we continue to innovate in partnership with the province, we will create many jobs as we sell these solutions around the world.”
