CLARENVILLE, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR, March 15, 2010—Local youth who face barriers to employment will get job-preparation training and work experience through the Government of Canada’s support for an employment project. The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, 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 youth develop the skills they need to participate and succeed in the job market,” said Minister MacKay. “By supporting this project, we are helping Clarenville youth develop the skills, knowledge and work experience they need to reach their full potential.”
The Ability Employment Corporation will receive $136,356 in federal Skills Link funding to support its program entitled The Key to Successful Work, which will help eight youth with disabilities, who are facing barriers to employment, develop life and job skills to ease their transition to work or return to school.
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.
“The Ability Employment Corporation is very excited to offer the Skills Link program to eight youth in Clarenville,” said Ms. Camilla O’Shea, Chair of the Corporation’s Board of Directors. “This program enhances their chances of a successful transition to long-term employment and is making a real difference in the lives of our youth.”
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 get jobs 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. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
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, visit www.servicecanada.gc.ca, call 1 800 O-Canada 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 Ability Employment Corporation is a non-profit corporation that provides career counselling and job development services to persons with disabilities. Between March 1, 2010, and September 25, 2010, the Corporation will help eight youth with disabilities develop the broad range of skills and work experience they need to participate in the job market. Participants will have the opportunity to develop hands-on experience through work placements in the tourism and service sector, and will also take part in a variety of skills workshops.
As part of the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy, the Skills Link program is one of three programs that help young Canadians, particularly those facing barriers to employment, obtain career information, develop skills, gain work experience, find good jobs and stay employed. The other two programs are Summer Work Experience and Career Focus.
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.
