The Harper Government today unveiled a new approach that will help approximately 3000 young Canadians find jobs in high demand sectors of the economy. The initiative will help address labour shortages by equipping youth with skills and experience, and creating opportunities for them to start careers in high demand fields. The announcement was made by the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, at an event hosted by the Greater Halifax Partnership at Nova Scotia Community College.
“To help ensure Canada’s continued economic growth and long-term prosperity, we must take action now to address existing skills shortages and better equip our young people as they make career decisions,” said Minister Finley. “Our government is committed to supporting youth employment and that is why, through Economic Action Plan 2012, we are introducing a new initiative that will connect young Canadians with jobs that are in high demand, giving them better opportunities to develop the skills that are required for today’s labour market and into the future.”
Under the existing national Youth Employment Strategy, the new initiative will be dedicated to projects that will connect a total of approximately 3000 young Canadians with jobs in fields that are in high demand, such as the skilled trades and tourism. The projects will help employers fill labour shortages while providing youth with the all‑important, on‑the‑job experience they need to transition into a career.
Projects will be selected through two Calls for Proposals—one for Career Focus and one for Skills Link, both of which are existing programs under the Youth Employment Strategy.
“Youth employment programs are part of the Harper Government’s broader strategy to create an educated, skilled and flexible workforce,” said Minister Finley. “Today’s youth are tomorrow’s workforce, so by investing in them we are helping contribute to Canada’s long-term growth, competitiveness and overall prosperity.”
The Calls will open on September 5 and close on October 19. Organizations across Canada are invited to apply. Organizations, including but not limited to, businesses, not-for-profit organizations, crown corporations, educational institutions, Aboriginal organizations and provincial, territorial and municipal governments can apply for funding. Information is available at servicecanada.gc.ca.
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