KITCHENER, ONTARIO, June 21, 2010-Post-secondary education graduates will get an opportunity to enhance and develop their employment skills through a project of the University of Waterloo's School of Pharmacy sponsored by the Government of Canada. Mr. Stephen Woodworth, Member of Parliament for Kitchener Centre, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
"The School of Pharmacy is an exciting young institution in our core," said Mr. Woodworth. "Our government's contribution to curriculum development provides lasting benefits."
The University of Waterloo's School of Pharmacy will receive $28,392 in Career Focus funding to help two recent post-secondary graduates apply the skills acquired through their education. It is expected that the employer will hire the participants upon completion of the project.
"This is the second year that we've had this wonderful opportunity to benefit from the HRSDC Career Focus granting program," said Dr. Roderick A. Slavcev, Assistant Professor at the University of Waterloo's School of Pharmacy. "The School endeavours to create, deliver and maintain the most foresighted and progressive pharmacy strategic management curriculum in the country. We believe the business skills delivered here will be critical for the success of new graduates entering a pharmacy profession that is changing and growing. The funds graciously awarded through this grant will go a long way in hiring the appropriate talent to continue the development and implementation of fundamental components of our curriculum.
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.
Career Focus 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 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, 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 University of Waterloo's School of Pharmacy provides educational programming that fosters teamwork, collaboration and a broad approach to health. One of the key elements of the curriculum is that health care can and should be personalized to the individual as much as possible. Between June 1, 2010, and November 29, 2011, the University will provide career-related work experience to two post secondary graduates. The participants will be involved in curriculum development and an analysis of the need for business training among pharmacists in Canada.
As part of the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy, the Career Focus 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 Skills Link.
Career Focus links highly skilled, post-secondary youth with potential employers who can provide them with career-related work experience and help them acquire advanced employment skills to facilitate their transition into the rapidly changing labour market.
