March 6, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Red Deer, ALBERTA —Bob Mills, Member of Parliament for Red Deer on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today announced funding of $253,933 for a project that will help 15 youth in Sylvan Lake make a successful transition to the workplace.
"Canada’s New Government is committed to helping young Canadians get career-related work experience," said Mr. Mills. "Investing in Canada's future will help us build a stronger economy, stronger communities, and a stronger society."
The Sylvan Lake Community Partners Association will receive $253,933 that will enable 15 youth to take part in skills development workshops, followed by community service and a twenty-four week work experience. The project is expected to help participants find work or return to school for further training.
The project, Sylvan Lake - Youth Employment Initiative, involves individual client assessments and the development of individual action plans to help participants identify and develop the skills necessary to address barriers to employment . Participants will be able to gain employability through a combination of interventions focusing on life skills, employment related skills enhancement, community service and work experience. This will include workshops on communication and listening skills, problem solving, conflict resolution, group dynamics, resume and cover letter preparation, and interview techniques.
Service Canada is providing financial assistance for this project through the Skills Link Program, which helps youth facing barriers to employment to acquire the skills, knowledge and work experience they need to participate in the job market.
The Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy offers three programs: Skills Link, Summer Work Experience and Career Focus. These programs provide flexibility to choose from a range of activities that can be tailored to meet individual needs.
The Government of Canada’s commitment to improving opportunities for youth is part of an ongoing effort to create a strong and productive workforce. Canada’s New Government will work with employers, community organizations and other levels of government to ensure that Canada’s youth have an opportunity to develop their skills and gain the job experience required to succeed in today’s workforce.
Service Canada provides Canadians with one-stop, easy-to-access personalized service. It brings Government of Canada programs and services together in a single delivery network to meet the needs of Canadians, wherever they live. Canadians can access services however they choose, by phone through the 1 800 O-Canada line, by internet at servicecanada.gc.ca, by mail or in person.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request. Call 1 800 788-8282 on a touch-tone phone, or through a teletypewriter (TTY).
For more information (media only):
Jennine Wright
Communications, Service Canada
(780) 495-5492
For more information (media only):
Media Relations Office
Service Canada
(819) 994-5559
Public Enquiries:
1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232)
TTY: 1 800 926-9105
servicecanada.gc.ca
Youth Info Line
1 800 935-5555
youth.gc.ca
