SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN, JULY 23, 2010—Local youth will have the opportunity to learn about career opportunities in the trades and technology sectors thanks to support from 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 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. Vellacott. “Our government is proud to support organizations that promote activities that benefit both employers and youth.”
The Saskatoon Industry-Education Council (SIEC) will receive $62,119 in Youth Awareness funding from the Government of Canada to organize a variety of events and activities that will connect over 2,500 youth with more than 250 employers. This initiative will help young people discover rewarding career opportunities, while ensuring that Canada’s future skilled labour needs are met.
“The funding from the Government of Canada gives us the ability to reach youth, their parents, educators and practitioners to explore career opportunities,” said Ms. Janet Uchacz-Hart, Executive Director of the Saskatoon Industry-Education Council. “The Youth Awareness program also gives employers the chance to meet and mentor their future workforce. Last year, the SIEC delivered programming to over 3,000 youth, connecting them to the vibrant Saskatchewan labour market.”
The SIEC will also receive $15,000 in federal Career Focus funding to hire a post-secondary graduate to work as an information technology specialist. The job placement will allow the graduate to apply the skills acquired through his or her education and gain hands-on experience.
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.
Youth Awareness and Career Focus are 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.
Both programs are delivered by Service Canada, which provides one-stop personalized services for Government of Canada programs, services and benefits. For more information about these programs, 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 Saskatoon Industry-Education Council (SIEC) is a non-profit corporation that provides career development information and advice to youth, educators and career practitioners through information sessions, programs and events. The SIEC is a partnership between industry, community-based organizations, post-secondary institutions and government, as well as three school divisions—Saskatoon Public Schools, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools and Prairie Spirit School Division.
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.
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.
