Bluedrop Performance Learning awarded contract by CAE to develop courseware
for the Canadian Chinook Helicopter Pilots and Air Crew

ST. JOHN'S, NL, Sept. 9 /CNW/ - Montreal-based CAE Inc has awarded Bluedrop Performance Learning a contract to provide a comprehensive online (Computer Based Training) and classroom (Computer Aided Instruction) based courseware solution for the Boeing CH147F Chinook helicopter. This training will be developed in support of the Canadian Forces and will help pilots and other aircrew learn essential skills as part of their training to fly and operate the Chinook helicopter. Before the project is completed by early 2013, over 60,000 person hours of labour will be invested to create more than 400 hours of end training.

For over 18 years, Bluedrop has been providing advanced "blended" learning solutions for clients in Defence, Aviation, Government and Business. Beginning with the training needs analysis and requirements, Bluedrop prepares an overarching training plan/curriculum that includes instructor-led sessions (including classroom activities), in-class projects/simulations, self-study and asynchronous controlled Computer Based Training (CBT). This initiative will utilize much of Bluedrop's established methodologies, skill sets and teams.

Bluedrop will create over 20 new permanent positions for Instructional Designers, and developers to fulfill its obligations to this contract. The company is actively recruiting in the Atlantic region and beyond. Bluedrop has designated its office in Fredericton, NB as its lead office for the completion of this contract. Bluedrop will continue its Defence and Aerospace Unit growth in the region over the next two years, resulting in sustainable employment for more than 50 professionals in Fredericton and further growth in its locations in St. John's and Ottawa. Bluedrop is already one of the largest pure play training companies in Canada.

Bluedrop's go to market philosophy is unique among the vast majority of SMEs headquartered in Atlantic Canada. It is bold and has proven to be effective since the company's inception. The company aggressively starts with industry leaders as key clients in any new industry or geographical location it targets. Simply put, Bluedrop always starts at the top of the ladder. And it has worked well for 18 years. Bluedrop is proud to name industry leading companies such as Microsoft, Exxon, Prentice Hall, Cisco, Dell, Sony and Pfizer as its clients. The contract with CAE is another example of this strategy in practice.

Bluedrop President & CEO Emad Rizkalla notes, "We are pleased to continue to expand our relationship with CAE. This contract will help solidify our position as a leading company in the country to develop courseware solutions for highly technical content. We have been actively pursuing Defence and Aerospace opportunities for about 4 years and this win validates our strategy and the clear pull in the marketplace for a strong, stable and methodology driven player." Rizkalla added "Bluedrop has had many ground breaking moments in its 18 year history. From getting its very first contract with the world's top hospital (Johns Hopkins), to providing software and controls for the first Newfoundland and Labrador built equipment to fly in a NASA space shuttle. This win represents another key milestone."

"CAE has assembled a strong pan-Canadian team of simulation and training specialists in order to deliver the best training program for our Canadian Chinook aircrews," said Martin Gagné, CAE Group President, Military Products, Training & Services. "We are proud to count on Bluedrop, a well established and respected training firm. Bluedrop has proven itself over its 18 year history and CAE is pleased to be investing in and supporting the growth of the Atlantic Region."  

With healthy profits posted and steady growth projected for the next five years, Bluedrop is well poised for the future. Never being one to rest on its laurels, Bluedrop has invested heavily in Learning Management Networks, informal learning and learning style assessments as a way of differentiating itself in the North American marketplace. Rizkalla explains, "We will never stop investing in innovation or securing and developing the top talent in their fields. Our clients are the best in their fields for a reason and they demand no less."

About Bluedrop

Founded in 1992 out of a class engineering project by four students at Memorial University, Bluedrop Performance Learning has evolved to become an award-winning developer of custom courseware. The company is dedicated to helping clients create a culture of true performance learning within their organizations. Bluedrop focuses on training in the areas of technical training, health and safety, products and systems, and corporate compliance. Bluedrop clients are broadly based, but are concentrated in Defence and Aerospace, government, technology, oil & gas, and pharmaceuticals. In eight different industries Bluedrop counts the global industry leader as its client. The company has key offices in St. John's, Fredericton, and Ottawa as well as a presence in Halifax, Washington DC, and Vancouver. For more information about Bluedrop visit http://www.bluedrop.com.

For further information:

Emad Rizkalla
President and CEO
Bluedrop Performance Learning
100 Signal Hill Road, 2^nd Floor the Tower
St. John's, NL A1A 1B3
Tel.: [phone] x 699
C : 709 682 4321
[email protected]