LINDSAY, ONTARIO, October 26, 2010 - A post-secondary graduate is getting the opportunity to enhance and develop her employment skills through a work experience project sponsored by the Government of Canada. Mr. Barry Devolin, Member of Parliament for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, 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 Mr. Devolin. "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."
The Technology Alliance Group (TAG) for Kawartha Lakes and the local United Way jointly received $9,500 in Career Focus funding to hire a post secondary graduate as a technical secretary, whose duties include compiling and organizing data, and maintaining both agencies' electronic filing systems. The job placement is allowing the graduate to apply the skills acquired through her education.
"We appreciate the opportunity to support a local youth, allowing her to learn leadership and communication skills while providing a workplace experience," said Ms. Lynda Rickard, Executive Director, Technology Alliance Group for Kawartha Lakes. "United Way and TAG have formed a unique alliance working in the same facility, with many opportunities to share resources, including the assistance provided by the technical secretary. We were able to recruit an ideal candidate, and in the past two months, we have appreciated the skills and enthusiasm that she brings to the position."
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.
- 30 -
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 Technology Alliance Group for Kawartha Lakes is a charitable organization dedicated to promoting and supporting technological advancements within the City of Kawartha Lakes and beyond. Thanks to support from the Government of Canada, the organization 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.
United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes is a community organization that enables people to make a difference through community partnerships, investment and collaboration.
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.
