DUNMORE, ALBERTA, April 29, 2010—Local youth will have the opportunity to showcase their talents in the skilled trades and learn about career opportunities in the trades and technology sectors thanks to support from the Government of Canada. Mr. LaVar Payne, Member of Parliament for Medicine Hat, 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 young Canadians have the skills and information they need to participate and succeed in the job market,” said Mr. Payne. “Our government is proud to support activities that encourage youth to enter careers in the skilled trades and technology.”
The Prairie Rose School Division, on behalf of the South Eastern Alberta Partners for Youth Career Development, will receive $30,477 through the Government of Canada’s Youth Awareness program to organize and deliver the 2010 South East Alberta Regional Skills Canada Competition. This event will introduce youth to community members working in the trades and technology sectors to promote career awareness.
“We appreciate the ongoing support and commitment for this annual event that showcases the skills of youth in the region and brings awareness to trades and technologies as viable career choices,” said Ms. Vivian Haland, Coordinator, South Eastern Alberta Partners for Youth Career Development.
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.
In Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government made a commitment to encourage skilled trades and apprenticeships by investing $40 million per year in the Apprenticeship Completion Grant. Approximately 20,000 apprentices are expected to be eligible each year for this grant, which complements the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant. By combining the two grants, apprentices who complete their training and become certified journeypersons in a designated Red Seal trade could receive a total of $4,000.
Also available is the Tradesperson’s Tools Deduction, which provides employed tradespersons with an annual deduction of up to $500 to help cover the cost of new tools necessary to their trade. The total cost of eligible tools must exceed $1,000.
For employers who hire apprentices in a designated Red Seal trade, the Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit equal to 10 percent of the eligible salaries and wages payable to eligible apprentices employed after May 1, 2006. The maximum credit is $2,000 per year for each eligible apprentice.
In addition, the Government recently implemented significant improvements to student financial assistance measures to help students gain access to post-secondary education and better manage their debt. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
The Youth Awareness 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
Skills Canada is a national, not-for-profit organization that works with employers, educators, labour groups and governments to promote skilled trades and technology careers among Canadian youth. Through regional, provincial, national and international skills competitions, the organization helps make these careers more visible to teachers, students, parents and the general public. The organization’s unique position among private and public sector partners enables it to work toward securing Canada’s future skilled labour needs, while helping young people discover rewarding career opportunities.
The 2010 South East Alberta Regional Skills Canada Competition will introduce youth to community members working in the trades and technology sectors to promote career awareness. In 2010, nine Regional Skills Canada Competitions will take place in Alberta for high school students. Skills Canada Alberta partners with local organizations and technical institutes across the province to host these regional competitions. Top performers at Regional Skills Canada Competitions will automatically earn a spot to compete at the Provincial Skills Canada Competition.
The Youth Awareness program, funded under Employment Insurance Part II, provides financial assistance for projects designed to address specific labour market requirements facing communities, and aims to promote youth as the workforce of the future among recipients, employers, communities and young Canadians.
