Government of Canada gives job opportunities to Penticton-area youth - Skills Link funding to help 108 youth develop skills and develop hands-on work experience

PENTICTON, BC, Aug. 18, 2017 /CNW/ - When Canadian youth get the skills and experience they need to find and keep good jobs, the middle class grows and our economy thrives.

Today, the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, announced that 108 youth who need it most will get help overcoming barriers to employment or going back to school. The YMCA of Okanagan's Jumpstart Employment Essentials Penticton project will receive over $800,000 from the Government of Canada's Skills Link program.

Through the Jumpstart Employment Essentials Penticton project, youth will develop essential skills, including communications, critical thinking, problem solving, improving résumés and cover letters, job searching, job interview skills, financial management and workplace safety. Youth will also get valuable work experience in sectors like retail, food service, light manufacturing, hospitality and tourism, banking, administration, trades, construction and landscaping.

Minister Qualtrough made the announcement at the YMCA of Okanagan, accompanied by Stephen Fuhr, Member of Parliament for Kelowna–Lake Country.

Quotes

"Everyone deserves a real and fair chance at success. Helping youth who need it most develop their skills and get hands-on work experience will ensure they have a successful future."
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

"The Jumpstart Employment Essentials Penticton project is a concrete example of what we can achieve for youth when the federal government works in partnership with organizations like the YMCA of Okanagan. When Canada's young people get the training and experience they need to be able to find and keep good jobs, our middle class grows and our economy thrives."
– The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities

"I am proud that our government is fulfilling our commitment to invest in our youth here in the Okanagan.  This investment in Canada's future and new funding for the YMCA Jumpstart Employment Essentials Program will allow young people in our community to gain the skills and work experience necessary to succeed in today's job market and in their future careers."
– Stephen Fuhr, Member of Parliament for Kelowna–Lake Country

"These funds will positively impact the lives of at-risk youth in the Okanagan. Helping young people achieve their goals and establish a healthy and successful future is an important component of the YMCA's charitable mission. We are grateful for the support of the Government of Canada in funding this important program."
– Sharon Peterson, CEO, YMCA

Quick Facts

• Each year the Government invests more than $330 million in the Youth Employment Strategy (YES) to help young people gain the skills, abilities and work experience they need to find and maintain good employment.
• Total funding for YES was increased by $278 million in 2016–17, representing the largest investment since its launch.
• Budget 2017 is investing an additional $395.5 million over three years for YES, starting in 2017–18.

Associated Link

Youth Employment Strategy

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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

For further information: Matt Pascuzzo, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P., Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, [e-mail], 819-654-5613; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [e-mail]