NEW GLASGOW, NOVA SCOTIA, August 25, 2010 - A post-secondary education graduate will get an opportunity to enhance and develop his or her employment skills through a project sponsored by the Government of Canada. The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Central Nova, 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. "Our government is proud to support projects that offer post-secondary graduates the opportunity to develop the skills and gain the experience that will help them reach their full potential."
Webbuilders Group will receive $19,646 in Career Focus funding to hire a post secondary information technology (IT) graduate to work as a Web developer. The job placement will allow the graduate to apply the skills acquired through his or her education and gain hands-on experience.
"We are very appreciative of the support from the Government of Canada," said Mr. Robert Roy, Chief Executive Officer of Webbuilders Group. "This funding helps us create another opportunity in the local IT sector for a bright young talent. It also helps us continue to grow the range of services we offer our clients."
Through the 2010 "Jobs and Growth Budget," the Government of Canada committed an additional $60 million to the Skills Link and Career Focus programs. This additional one-time investment will enable more young Canadians to gain the experience and skills they need to successfully participate in the labour market while the economy recovers.
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
Providing technical services to over 600 companies across North America, Webbuilders Group is an online marketing firm specializing in Web design. From August 9, 2010, to April 15, 2011, Webbuilders will provide career-related experience to help a recent post secondary graduate gain the knowledge and experience needed to make a successful transition into the labour market. The graduate will participate in the creation and design of online marketing materials and websites, in addition to other related work experience activities.
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.
