RED DEER, AB, April 12, 2018 /CNW/ - Building a strong middle class means giving Canada's youth the tools they need to find and keep good jobs.
That's why the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, highlighted a local project today that gave youth in Red Deer job skills training and hands-on work experience.
Over the past year, the Career Assistance Network has supported 10 participants to overcome barriers to employment and develop the skills and knowledge necessary to move into the labour market. Paid work experiences for participants were based on their field of study, including the industrial or agricultural sectors or office environments.
The Government of Canada provided more than $90,000 in funding for this project through the Career Focus program of the Youth Employment Strategy. Career Focus supports projects that help post-secondary graduates transition to the labour market through paid internships, and helps to provide them with the information and experience they need to make informed career decisions, find a job and/or pursue advanced studies.
In addition, the Government of Canada has approved a subsequent agreement in the amount of $105,000 commencing April 2, to assist an additional 10 youth.
Quotes
"We know that our communities are healthier and stronger when everyone can fully participate. Supporting youth as they move into the workforce is a key way we can grow our economy and strengthen the middle class."
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
"Through continued support from the federal government, Career Assistance Network has been able to match 80 post-secondary students with employers over the past eight years. This program has enabled recent graduates to receive the hands-on field experience that is essential to compete in today's labour market, while at the same time offering employers the opportunity to mentor and guide an individual as they enter their field. On average, over 80 percent of Career Focus matches result in long-term, ongoing employment. Many of our employers have requested an additional placement due to their overwhelmingly successful experience!"
– Shaune Fandrey, Director, Career Assistance Network
Quick Facts
- Canada's future prosperity depends on young people getting the education and work experience they need to succeed. Each year, the Government invests over $330 million in the Youth Employment Strategy to help young people gain the skills and work experience they need to find and maintain good employment.
- Through Budget 2018, the Government provides an additional $448.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to the Youth Employment Strategy. This funding will support the continued increase of the number of job placements funded under the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2019–20.
- Budget 2017 invested an additional $395.5 million over three years. Combined with Budget 2016 measures, these investments will help:
- more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work or go back to school;
- create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians; and
- provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector.
Associated Links
Youth Employment Strategy
Career Focus Program
SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
Media contacts: Emily Harris, Communications Advisor, Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P., Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, 819-654-5611; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]
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