July 26, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GODERICH, Ontario- Young people from the Goderich area struggling with barriers to employment will get help developing the skills they need to find and keep quality jobs through a new project supported by the federal government and Junior Achievement of London and District. The Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board announced the project today on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development.
"The Government of Canada is committed to creating the best educated, most skilled, and most flexibl e work force in the world," said Mr. Toews. "Not only will this project help 18 young people who need employment and career help, but it will also be good for local employers and the local economy."
Junior Achievement of London an d District will help 18 young people from the Goderich area develop the life and job skills they need to enter the labour force or return to school. Participants will become more employable through a combination of work placements and workshops on topics including goal setting, conflict resolution, job search techniques, first aid, and CPR.
"Thanks to the generous contribution of the Government of Canada, the Willing Workers Youth Employment Project will yet again provide at-risk youth in our community with the opportunity to enter the local labour market, despite the fact that they may have barriers to their employment," said Vanessa Yeats, Project Manager, Willing Workers.
Service Canada is committing $2 42,361 to this project through Skills Link, one of Canada's youth employment programs. The Skills Link program involves employers, community organizations, and other levels of government in ensuring that young people have the opportunity to develop their skills and become contributing members of their communities.
This project reflects the Government of Canada's commitment to creating a strong economy for all Canadians. Through its Advantage Canada plan, the Government is building on Canada's strengths and gaining a global competitive advantage by reducing taxes for all Canadians, increasing competition in the marketplace, and building modern infrastructure.
Service Canada brings Government of Canada servi ces and benefits together in a single delivery network. It provides Canadians with one-stop service they can access however they choose-by phone at 1 800 O-Canada, on the Internet at servicecanada.gc.ca, or in person at Service Canada Centres across the c ountry.
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Backgrounder
Skills Link
The Skills Link program is one of three Government of Canada programs that help young Canadians (aged 15 to 30) obtain career information, develop ski lls, gain work experience, find good jobs, and stay employed. The two other programs are Summer Work Experience and Career Focus.
Skills Link focuses on helping young people who face barriers to employment. These young people incl ude high school drop-outs, single parents, Aboriginal youth, young people with disabilities, youth in rural areas, and recent immigrants. Summer Work Experience helps secondary and post-secondary students find summer jobs. Career Focus helps post-secondar y graduates develop advanced skills and find careers in their fields. All three programs provide a range of activities that can be tailored to meet individual needs.
