Government of Canada helps youth in Woodstock area prepare for jobs

February 25, 2010

Woodstock, New Brunswick — 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.  Mr. Mike Allen, Member of Parliament for Tobique–Mactaquac, 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 Mr. Allen.  “By supporting this project, we are helping youth in the Woodstock area develop the skills, knowledge and work experience they need to reach their full potential.”

Metapra Associates Inc. will receive $127,644 in federal Skills Link funding to support its Training in Employment and Life Skills Program, which will help 12 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. 

“It is exceptional for Metapra Associates to receive federal funding four years in a row for this type of project,” said Ms. Debbie Grant, Program Manager.  “We feel that’s a credit to the co-coordinators, the good collaboration of referring agencies, the openness of our business community, the generosity of owners of facilities like St. Gertrude’s Hall and the persistence of Mike Allen.  We believe that there is a lot of talent in our youth, and, with the Skills Link funding, they get the opportunity to develop the necessary skills needed for employment.”

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.

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.


Backgrounder

Metapra Associates Inc. is a support agency that provides health and respite services, life skills coaching, alternative learning opportunities and personal management services to individuals and families with special requirements.  Between January 18, 2010, and July 16, 2010, the organization will help 12 youth facing barriers to employment return to school or enhance their employability skills in preparation for the current and future labour market. 

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.