September 21, 1999
(Human Resources and Employment)

Minister announces funding for youth employment initiative

New funding announced today by the Department of Human Resources and Employment will help over 150 young people across the province find meaningful, career-related work in communities.

Julie Bettney, Minister of Human Resources and Employment, announced $800,000 in funding for Linkages, a successful employment program specifically designed for youth. The funding will help communities provide work experiences and career planning supports for young people who are having difficulties entering the work force.

"Many of our youth are faced with the challenge of securing a first-time job with little professional experience," Minister Bettney said. "Linkages provides youth with work experience as they continue to develop and plan their career path. The program is a great combination of practical experience and professional development."

The funding will go to 25 community agencies across the province and continues the unique partnership Human Resources and Employment enjoys with various community groups and agencies. This cooperative approach ensures the specific career needs of youth are addressed. This is especially important for youth who may live in more isolated areas of the province.

"Linkages is an excellent program because it connects young people with the real workforce and helps them explore their career and training options," said Maureen Abbott, Linkages coordinator with the L.S Eddy Complex in Stephenville. "Young people have so many questions about their own strengths and interests, about the kinds of training and post secondary programs out there, and where to look for work."

Linkages is designed to help youth age 18 to 24 who are finding it difficult making a transition into the labour market. Through the program, the department provides funding to community agencies to provide up to 26 weeks of career-related employment. Youth also take part in regular career planning workshops and earn a completion bonus toward the cost of post-secondary tuition and books.

Because of its flexibility, Linkages participants find jobs in a number of diverse fields, including tourism and marketing, museum restoration, the environment and information technology. There are a range of possibilities.

The program's innovative approach to youth employment has been recognized by Human Resource Development Canada and the National Volunteer Organization. Since 1998 Linkages has helped over 300 youth in the province.

Youth interested in learning more about the Linkages program should contact approved community agencies or call the Department of Human Resources and Employment's Career Information Hotline at 1-800-563-6600. Media contact: Marcia Porter, Director of Communications, (709) 729-4062.

1999 09 21 2:00 p.m.