London, ON—Susan Truppe, Member of Parliament for London North Centre and Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women, today announced support that will equip young Canadians in London with the skills and work experience needed to get jobs in high-demand fields.
“Our government is committed to creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity all across Canada,” said Minister of State (Social Development) Candice Bergen. “Initiatives like Skills Link will help connect youth with jobs while ensuring that Canada’s economy benefits from the skills and talents of young Canadians. By investing in youth today, we are making sure they can contribute to our long-term prosperity.”
LEADS Employment Services, Youth Opportunities Unlimited, and Hutton House are receiving nearly $1 Million from the Skills Link program to help youth facing barriers to employment get the skills and knowledge they need to find jobs.
QUOTES
“Since 2006, the Government has helped more than half a million young Canadians develop the skills they need to help them succeed in the job market. I am pleased to announce that young Canadians in London will benefit from our initiatives to connect young people with jobs.” – Susan Truppe, M.P. for London North Centre
“This federal investment in High Demand Occupations will be transformative for the youth participating in the project in helping them get a foothold in their careers. The investment also demonstrates to the community that we do care about these issues and we can respond to the challenges.” – Steve Cordes, Executive Director, Youth Opportunities Unlimited
“Leads Employment Services is very pleased to once again be given the opportunity to facilitate employment matches between employers and youth in London and Middlesex County. Preparing youth to enter the labour force or return to school to gain more skills, is crucial to ensuring a more prosperous future for themselves as well as strengthening the economy in our community.” – Wendy Lau, CEO, LEADS Employment Services
"Skills Link funding allows Hutton House to deliver innovative employment training in partnership with local businesses. Through this program young people facing significant barriers gain the skills and practical experience they need to obtain jobs." – Marilyn Neufeld, Executive Director, Hutton House
QUICK FACTS
• Skills Link helps youth facing barriers to employment—including youth who are single parents, youth with disabilities, young newcomers and youth in rural and remote areas—to develop the skills and gain the experience needed to find a job or the confidence to return to school. Since 2006, the Skills Link initiative has helped over 179 000 youth get jobs or return to school.
• Youth employment programs are part of the Government of Canada’s strategy to connect Canadians with available jobs. Economic Action Plan 2013 proposes new measures to equip Canadians with the skills and training they need to fill skills shortages and succeed in the Canadian labour market. These include the Canada Job Grant, which will invest in skills training for unemployed and underemployed Canadians, better ensuring they are qualified to fill the high-quality, well-paying jobs that are available. Economic Action Plan 2013 is also creating opportunities for apprentices and providing support to under-represented groups such as Canadians with disabilities, Aboriginal people, newcomers and youth.
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For More Information:
Nicholas Colosimo
Executive Assistant
Office of Susan Truppe, M.P.
613-995-1462
BACKGROUNDER
LEADS Employment Services is receiving $225,740 to provide group-based Employability Skills (GBEDS) and Employability Skills though Work Experience (ESWE) to 56 youth to overcome barriers to employment and to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to make a successful transition to the labour market or return to school
Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) is receiving $352, 431 to provide Employability Skills through Work Experience (ESWE) to connect 30 youth with jobs that are in high demand in the retail, food and hospitality sectors. These interventions will help youth overcome barriers to employment and to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to make a successful transition to the labour market or to return to school.
Hutton House is receiving $373,659 to deliver Group-based Employability Skills (GBEDS) and Employability Skills through Work Experience (ESWE) to assist 49 youth with disabilities to overcome barriers to employment and to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to make a successful transition to the labour market or return to school.