Province continues major employment generation programs

Judy Foote, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal, announced today a $10.8 million employment generation initiative for the province, building on similar initiatives implemented in prior years by partnering with the private sector.

Ms. Foote said: "Government recognizes the critical importance of stimulating job creation through programs that encourage the involvement of the private sector. This is particularly important in rural areas of the province where the private sector is relatively weak at present and government support can make a real difference. This initiative is intended to provide meaningful employment for individuals in jobs that will provide the foundation and opportunity for longer term attachment to the labour market."

The initiative is comprised of 11 specific employment programs as follows:

• Student Employment Program;
  
• Employment Generation Program;
  
• Seasonal Employment Program;
  
• Job Bridges Program for Women;
  
• Youth Linkages Program;
  
• Graduate Employment Program;
  
• Graduate Self-Employment Program;
  
• Strategic Employment Opportunities Program;
  
• Newfoundland and Labrador Conservation Corps;
  
• Small Enterprise Co-operative Placement Assistance Program;
  and - Women Interested in Successful Employment (WISE) Program.
  

Ms. Foote added that a fundamental feature of the 11 programs is that they will be delivered in partnership with private-sector sponsors and, in some cases, with not-for-profit agencies. The federal government is also participating in three of the programs; namely, the Strategic Employment Opportunities Program, the Graduate Employment Program and the Graduate Self-Employment Program. This means that the resources made available through these programs will leverage other sources of funding and thereby stimulate greater levels of employment than would otherwise occur if the Province attempted to do it all itself." It is expected that these programs will support up to 2,500 individuals. A special effort has been made, as well, to target the youth of the province.

Ms. Foote emphasized, as well, that specific employment projects will be linked to new business opportunities and economic initiatives that are identified throughout the province, to ensure that all regions benefit directly from these programs.

Further information on these programs can be obtained by contacting an office of the Department of Development and Rural Renewal or by calling the Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-563-6600. Contact: Clayton Johnson, Director, Employment Services Division, (709) 729-5751.

BACKGROUNDER
EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS
DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT AND RURAL RENEWAL
1996-97

FOR STUDENTS:

The Small Enterprise Co-operative Placement Assistance Program will expose small and medium sized enterprises and post-secondary co-operative education students to the value of co-operative education and entrepreneurial activities respectively.

The Student Employment Program will assist individuals who plan to attend or return to a post-secondary institution.
 
FOR COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY GRADUATES:

The Graduate Employment Program  will assist post-secondary graduates obtain employment related to their academic studies.

The Graduate Self-Employment Program will provide graduates of post- secondary education programs with the opportunity to become self- employed through the creation of their own small business with partial income support provided by government over a one-year period.


FOR YOUTH:

The Newfoundland and Labrador Conservation Corps will provide training and employment for youth in the areas of environmental enhancement, protection and conservation.

The Youth Linkages Program will target young people who have not completed post-secondary training and will provide work placements and career related counselling services.

FOR WOMEN:

The Job Bridges Program will provide employment opportunities for women in non-traditional occupations for up to 52 week placements.

The WISE (Women Interested in Successful Employment) Program will provide bridging/career exploration support for women to assist them in successfully re-entering the labour market after prolonged absences.

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS:

The Employment Generation Program will create new permanent employment opportunities for unemployed or underemployed individuals.

The Seasonal Employment Program will assist seasonal employers create new jobs for unemployed or underemployed individuals. 

The Strategic Employment Opportunities Program will create new long-term employment opportunities in sectors of the economy having potential for growth for the benefit of unemployed or underemployed individuals.