Government of Canada helps youth in the Chaudière-Appalaches region prepare for the job market

LÉVIS, QC, Jan. 6, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Local youth who face barriers to employment will get job preparation training and work experience through the Government of Canada's support for an employment project. The Honourable Steven Blaney, Member of Parliament for Lévis-Bellechasse and Minister of Veterans Affairs, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

"Our government's top priority is jobs and the economy," said Minister Blaney. "For many young Canadians, making the transition to the job market is a challenge, especially in today's environment. That's why our government is creating opportunities for youth to succeed through support for initiatives like the Atelier de travail project."

With assistance from the federal Skills Link program, Travail Jeunesse will help 10 youth develop the skills and experience needed to find a job or the confidence to return to school.

Through workshops and activities, project participants will acquire knowledge and skills to foster their social and professional development. They will have fulfilling experiences as they learn about themselves and about teamwork. Finally, the youth will apply their new abilities in the organization's shop performing a variety of subcontracted manufacturing work for local businesses.

Skills Link helps youth facing barriers to employment, such as single parents, Aboriginal youth, youth with disabilities, recent immigrants, youth living in rural and remote areas, and youth who have dropped out of high school.

Travail Jeunesse will receive over $94,000 in federal Skills Link funding to support its Atelier de travail project.

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backgrounder

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As part of the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy, the Skills Link 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 Career Focus.

Skills Link helps youth between 16 and 30 years of age who are not receiving Employment Insurance benefits develop basic and advanced employment skills. It assists participants through a coordinated, client-centred approach that offers longer-term supports and services tailored to their specific needs to help them find and keep a job.

Youth employment programs are also part of the Government of Canada's broader strategy to create an educated, skilled and flexible workforce. The Government highlighted its commitment to this strategy in Canada's Economic Action Plan. A key element of the Plan includes increasing and improving opportunities available to Canadian workers through skills development. To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

The Skills Link 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 servicecanada.gc.ca, call 1 800 O-Canada or drop by your local Service Canada Centre.

This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

(media only):

Alyson Queen
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
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