LONDON, ONTARIO--(Jan. 26, 2012) - 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.
Susan Truppe, Parliamentary Secretary for the Status of Women
and Member of Parliament for London North Centre, and Ed Holder,
Member of Parliament for London West, 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
Ms. Truppe. "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 this
youth employment project."
"Youth Opportunities Unlimited will receive over $497,000 in
funding through the Skills Link program to help dozens of London
youth. They have faced employment barriers in the past but now,
with our government's help, they will be able to develop the
skills and work experience needed to find a job or return to
school. The assistance we are providing today through this
program is a perfect example of a hand-up versus a hand-out,"
said Mr. Holder.
The project participants will attend life and employability
skills workshops to learn about topics such as time management,
communication and problem-solving. They will also gain hands-on
experience through job placements with local employers in a
variety of sectors including manufacturing, sales and marketing,
hospitality and customer service.
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.
This news release is available in alternative formats upon
request.
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BACKGROUNDER
As part of the Government of Canada's Youth Employment
Strategy, Skills Link 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 15 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 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 for 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.
