OTTAWA, ONTARIO, November 2, 2010 - Youth across Canada will have the opportunity to learn about career options in the trades and technology sectors thanks to a variety of activities in support of Skilled Trades and Technology Week. The Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State (Seniors), on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, kicked off the Week at an event hosted by Skills/Compétences Canada and Lowe's Canada, during which local Ottawa high school students were given the opportunity to watch demonstrations and get hands-on skills experience through interactive Try A Trade® activites.
"Initiatives that help Canadians develop the skills and experience they need to participate and succeed in the job market can make a tremendous difference," said Minister of State Ablonczy. "Our government is proud to work with Skills/Compétences Canada in raising awareness of careers in the skilled trades and technology sectors."
Skilled Trades and Technology Week was created by Skills/Compétences Canada to raise awareness of skilled trades and technology careers among parents, youth and the general public. The Week provides an opportunity for organizations across Canada to get involved in a "hands-on" way, and introduces young Canadians to career options available in the trades and technology sectors.
"There are tremendous opportunities available through the pursuit of skilled trades and technology professions, and it is imperative that we present these career options to young Canadians to ensure that Canada has a competent, relevant and skilled workforce in the future," said Mr. Shaun Thorson, Executive Director of Skills/Compétences Canada.
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.
- 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 Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy aims to help young people, particularly those facing barriers to employment, get the information, skills and work experience they need to make a successful transition to the workplace. The Strategy includes three components: Career Focus, Skills Link, and Summer Work Experience.
Through the 2010 "Jobs and Growth Budget," the Government of Canada committed an additional $60 million to the Youth Employment Strategy. 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.
The Youth Employment Strategy is part of the Government of Canada's overall 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.
The federal Youth Awareness program, which complements the Youth Employment Strategy, targets projects that respond to specific labour market requirements and adjustments over time, and aims to promote youth as the workforce of the future among employers, communities and young Canadians. The regional and national skills competitions, organized by Skills/Compétences Canada and its regional chapters, are an excellent example of Youth Awareness projects in action.
Skills/Compétences 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. 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.
