ORANGEVILLE, ONTARIO, May 22, 2009—Youth will benefit from the Government of Canada’s support of a local employment project. Mr. David Tilson, Member of Parliament for Dufferin–Caledon, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
“In today’s environment, it is more important than ever that our youth develop the skills needed to participate and succeed in the job market,” said Mr. Tilson. “We are proud to provide young Canadians with an opportunity to gain the skills, knowledge and work experience they need to reach their full potential.”
The Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology will receive $250,638 in federal Skills Link funding to support its Step Up Program. This program will help 45 youth facing employment barriers prepare for and find meaningful employment or return to school.
“The Step Up Program provides an opportunity for youth to explore their career choices, learn workplace skills and connect with local employers,” said Ms. Brenda Burman, Coordinator for the Centre for Career and Employment Services, Georgian College. “After participating in this type of program, youth are more confident of their skills and have greater success in finding and keeping a job. Georgian College is excited to be able to offer this program to youth in Dufferin County.”
The federal government is working with the provinces and territories, community organizations and other stakeholders to provide Canadians with the training, skills and opportunities they need to participate in the workforce and contribute to their communities.
Skills Link is part of the Government of Canada’s strategy to create the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world. The Government underscored its commitment to this strategy in Canada’s Economic Action Plan. A key component of the plan is to create more and better opportunities for Canadian workers through skills development.
The Skills Link 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, visit servicecanada.gc.ca or drop by your local Service Canada Centre.
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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 Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology is dedicated to helping youth achieve their full potential, and to enabling them to enter the labour market or return to school to gain the education needed to meet career goals. Between April 1, 2009, and March 9, 2010, Georgian College will help 45 eligible youth in the Orangeville area who are facing barriers to employment develop life and employability skills required to obtain and maintain employment or return to school through group-based workshops and one‑on-one appointments.
As part of the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy, the Skills Link program is one of three programs that help young Canadians facing barriers to employment obtain career information, develop skills, gain work experience, find good jobs and stay employed.
Skills Link focuses on helping youth facing barriers to employment, such as single parents, Aboriginal youth, young persons with disabilities, recent immigrants, youth living in rural and remote areas and youth who have dropped out of high school. It offers a client-centred approach based on assessing an individual’s specific needs. The program supports youth in developing basic and advanced employment skills. Eligible participants between 15 and 30 years of age—who are not receiving Employment Insurance benefits—are assisted through a coordinated approach, offering longer-term supports and services that can help them find and keep a job.
