STONY PLAIN, ALBERTA, February 6, 2009- Post-secondary graduates in the Stony Plain area will gain valuable work experience in their chosen fields thanks to Government of Canada support for a local employment project. The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Spruce Grove, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
"The Government of Canada understands that in order to ensure a strong economy tomorrow, we must invest in our youth today," said Minister Ambrose. "We are committed to supporting young Albertans by providing opportunities to develop their skills and gain vital, career-related work experience."
The Alberta Community and Co-operative Association (ACCA) helps post-secondary graduates, through its Co-operative Career Internship Program, to make the transition from school by facilitating job placements related to their education. In addition, graduates will participate in a conference to learn more about advanced workplace skills such as leadership, decision making and conflict resolution. This project will receive over $83,000 in funding through the federal Youth Employment Strategy Career Focus program.
"We are very pleased to receive federal support for our Career Focus Internship Program," said Michele Aasgard, ACCA Executive Director."
"This program allows skilled and enthusiastic post-secondary graduates to participate in projects and gain valuable work experience within cooperatives and other host organizations. It also provides opportunities for host organizations to help young people develop their careers by providing mentorship, guidance and, in some cases, co-op experience," added Mrs. Aasgard.
The federal government is working in partnership with the provinces and other stakeholders to make sure Canadians get the training, skills and opportunities they need to participate in the work force and contribute to the quality of life in their communities.
Creating the best educated, most skilled, most flexible workforce in the world has always been a priority for Canada's Government. With the Canada Skills and Transition Strategy outlined in Canada's Economic Action Plan, our government is committed to making this goal a reality by enhancing access to training for Canadian workers.
The Career Focus program is delivered by Service Canada, which provides one-stop personalized services for Government of Canada programs, services and benefits. For more information about this program, call 1-800-O-Canada, go on the Internet at servicecanada.gc.ca or visit your local Service Canada Centre.
A backgrounder is attached.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Michelle Bakos
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
The Alberta Community & Co-operative Association (ACCA) is committed to strengthening Alberta communities through co-operative and agricultural awareness, training and development. It serves co-operatives, credit unions and agricultural organizations by providing co-op development resources, youth and adult education, rural development, administrative services, conference coordination and financial management.
The ACCA, through its Co-operative Career Internship Program is delivering an advanced employability skills conference and career-related work experience to seven post-secondary graduates. In addition to helping youth recognize hidden career opportunities in their own communities, the program will educate employers on the value of youth as a workforce.
Career Focus is one of three programs under the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy (YES) that help young Canadians get the information, skills and work experience they need to make a successful transition to the workplace. By linking highly skilled, post-secondary youth with potential employers who can provide them with career-related work experiences, Career Focus helps young Canadians acquire advanced employment skills and facilitates their transition into the rapidly changing labour market.
