Government of Canada helps youth on Montréal's West Island prepare for jobs
POINTE-CLAIRE, QC, April 12 /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 Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
"In today's environment, it is more important than ever that youth develop the skills they need to participate and succeed in the job market," said Minister Paradis. "By supporting this project, we are helping Montréal youth develop the skills, knowledge and work experience they need to reach their full potential and fulfill their dreams."
The Carrefour jeunesse-emploi de l'Ouest-de-l'Île will receive $227,842 in federal Skills Link funding, which will help 30 youth facing employment barriers develop life and job skills to ease their transition to work or return to school.
Skills Link focuses on helping youth facing barriers to employment, such as single parents, Aboriginal youth, young persons with disabilities, recent immigrants, youth living in rural and remote areas, and youth who have dropped out of high school.
"The Ateliers orientés vers le groupe project is returning for a fourth time, with 30 participants divided into four groups. The Skills Link program brings a tangible solution for youth aged 16 to 30 who are distanced from the labour market and experiencing personal and social problems," noted Ms. Cynthia Némorin, Project Leader at the West Island Carrefour jeunesse-emploi. "The popularity of the project increases with each group thanks to word of mouth and support from organizations in the community."
The federal government is working with the provinces and territories, community organizations and other stakeholders to provide Canadians with the training, skills and opportunities they need to get jobs and contribute to their communities.
Through the 2010 "Jobs and Growth Budget," the Government of Canada committed an additional $60 million to the Skills Link and Career Focus programs. This additional one-time investment will enable more young Canadians to gain the experience and skills they need to successfully participate in the labour market while the economy recovers.
Skills Link is part of the Government of Canada's strategy to create the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world. The Government underscored its commitment to this strategy in Canada's Economic Action Plan. A key component of the Plan is to create more and better opportunities 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 www.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.
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The Carrefour jeunesse-emploi de l'Ouest-de-l'Île is a non-profit organization with the mission of improving the living conditions of people aged 16 to 35 by assisting them in their search for employment or their return to school. Between March 15, 2010, and August 5, 2011, the organization will help 30 youth who face barriers to employment acquire the knowledge, skills and experience they need to integrate into the job market, or the motivation to return to school.
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 focuses on helping youth facing barriers to employment, such as single parents, Aboriginal youth, young persons with disabilities, recent immigrants, youth living in rural and remote areas, and youth who have dropped out of high school. It offers a client-centred approach based on assessing an individual's specific needs. The program supports youth in developing basic and advanced employment skills. Eligible participants between 15 and 30 years of age - who are not receiving Employment Insurance benefits - are assisted through a coordinated approach, offering longer-term supports and services that can help them find and keep a job.
For further information: (media only): Michelle Bakos, 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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