OTTAWA, May 26, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development, spoke today at the Association of Canadian Community Colleges' annual conference. Minister Kenney took the opportunity to highlight the important role that colleges play in producing job-ready graduates who are needed to help fill job vacancies in the skilled trades and other in-demand occupations. He underscored that colleges are equipping students with the right skills to meet today's labour market demands, helping them to enter the workforce more quickly.
Minister Kenney spoke about Government of Canada initiatives designed to ensure Canadians have the skills in demand in today's economy, including the Canada Job Grant, the Canada Apprentice Loan, and support for apprenticeship training.
Quick Facts
- Economic Action Plan 2014 proposes several measures to ensure training reflects the needs of the labour market and Canadians have the skills to take advantage of the jobs and opportunities available to them. One such measure is the Canada Apprentice Loan, which could provide up to $4,000 in interest-free loans per period of technical training for apprentices registered in their first Red Seal trade. Economic Action Plan 2014 also includes an innovative pilot project that allows apprentices to remain at their workplaces while they do their block training.
- The Government of Canada is working with the provinces and territories to harmonize apprenticeship training and certification requirements.
- Skills Canada has identified the need for one million skilled trade workers by 2020.
- Almost 340,000 people are enrolled in over 300 skilled trades and apprenticeship programs.
Quote
"Our government's top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity. Community colleges help equip Canadians with the right education, skills and training they need to find good jobs that are in demand in today's economy. Our government is helping Canadians get the skills they need to fill these jobs through measures like the Canada Job Grant, the Canada Apprentice Loan and support for Canadians in apprenticeship training."
- The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development
Associated Links
SOURCE: Employment and Social Development Canada
Alexandra Fortier
Office of the Minister
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
[email protected]
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