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Linkages employment program combines work experience and career planning Julie Bettney, Minister of Human Resources and Employment, announced $1.2 million in project approvals for a career development program to help the province's youth. Linkages is an employment program that helps youth achieve their career and employment goals by partnering with community-based agencies. In 1998/99 these agencies will help place over 200 young people in jobs across the province. "Youth are often faced with the challenge of securing an entry-level job with little or no experience," said Minister Bettney. "Through the Linkages program, youth gain valuable training and career planning skills along with improved employment and career support services from local agencies." Linkages helps youth ages 18 to 24 who are experiencing difficulty making the transition from school to the labour market. Through the Linkages program, the department provides funding to community-based agencies that will place youth in a workplace environment for up to 26 weeks. The program is unique in that it combines work experience with career planning. Program participants are given the opportunity to obtain career planning workshops and earn a bonus for the cost of post-secondary tuition and books. Sharon Mirault is the Linkages Coordinator with the Career Assessment Centre in Pollard's Point, White Bay. Mirault believes Linkage's success is due to its variety of supports. "Linkages is a great resource because it meets the unique needs of youth who are trying to enter the labour force for the first time. The program gives participants the chance to explore and investigate career paths in both a professional and supportive environment," Mirault said. Youth interested in learning more about the Linkages program should contact approved community-based agencies or call the Department of Human Resources and Employment's Career Information Hotline at 1-800-563-6600. Contact: Karen Kelloway, Communications, (709) 729-4062. 1998 08 14 11:55 a.m.
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