SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN, November 19, 2009-A post-secondary graduate will get an opportunity to enhance and develop his or her employment skills through a Saskatoon and District Industry Education Council project sponsored by the Government of Canada. Mr. Maurice Vellacott, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon–Wanuskewin, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
"In today's economic environment, it is more important than ever that all Canadians develop the skills they need to participate and succeed in the job market," said Mr. Vellacott. "Our government is proud to support projects that offer post-secondary graduates the opportunity to develop the skills and gain experience that will help them reach their full potential in their chosen fields."
The Saskatoon and District Industry Education Council will receive $15,000 through the Career Focus program of the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy. This funding will help a recent post-secondary graduate apply the skills sets acquired during his or her education.
"The Career Focus program gives us the opportunity to mentor young people who want to use their skills and gain experience in their chosen career path," said Ms. Janet Uchacz-Hart, Executive Director of the Saskatoon and District Industry Education Council. "We have found that these highly motivated young people are eager to learn, connect and advance their skills sets as they navigate their way into the workforce."
The federal government works with the provinces and territories and other stakeholders to make sure that Canadians get the training, skills and opportunities they need to participate in the workforce and contribute to the quality of life in their communities.
The Career Focus program 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 this commitment in January when it introduced Canada's Economic Action Plan. A key component of the Plan is to create more and better opportunities for Canadian workers through skills development. To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
The Career Focus program is delivered by Service Canada. For more information about this program, call 1 800 O‑Canada, visit www.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 Saskatoon and District Industry Education Council is a partnership between three local school divisions and regional businesses and industry. The organization works to create a community of shared responsibility that prepares youth for quality careers and supports them in making educated career and life decisions. Between November 2, 2009, and April 2, 2010, the Council will provide career-related work experience to a young post-secondary graduate, helping this individual expand his or her educational skills in order to gain permanent employment with the organization.
Career Focus is one of three programs under the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy 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 helpsyoung Canadians acquire advanced employment skills and facilitates their transition into the rapidly changing labour market. The other two programs under the Strategy are Skills Link and Summer Work Experience. More information is available at the following address:
www.servicecanada.gc.ca/epb/yi/yep/
newprog/yesprograms.shtml.
