Today marks the beginning of a new era in the delivery of career and employment services in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment (Avalon Region) officially opened the Career Information Resource Centre (CIRC) at its Regatta Plaza facility in St. John�s.

The Honourable Paul Shelley, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, along with the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, officially cut the ribbon and welcomed guests, clients and the public to the new centre. Following the successful Labour Market Symposium, the opening of the CIRC is tangible proof of the positive change undertaken by the department to enhance the overall delivery of career services to the public.

"The Career Information Resource Centre connects individuals with career and employment options," said Minister Shelley. "It is about providing the right mix of career services, labour market information and advice at the right time in order to enable a person to make an informed choice regarding their future."

In 2004, under the leadership of Minister Burke, HRLE embarked on a bold new direction and broadened its approach to client services by going beyond its responsibility for delivery of client income support to a model that fully embraced career, employment and youth services.

"Today marks a true milestone in government�s vision to place a far greater emphasis on helping people overcome barriers to employment and make a successful transition to the workforce," said Minister Burke. "We are investing heavily in education because we know it is the key to individual success and our success as a province. The centre will help people understand their options and investigate all opportunities and this will, in turn, ensure success in school and beyond."

It has been long recognized that the Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment had a key role to play in helping more people in this province successfully overcome barriers to employment. The CIRC provides individuals with direct access to an array of tools, professional support and counseling services to enable their transition into today�s changing labour market. The services offered through the CIRC are open to the general public, employers, persons receiving income support, as well as new and recurring job seekers. It is also a resource base within the community for professionals engaged in guidance and career counseling.

The CIRC provides many tools through which to engage in the labour market. Clients can register for workshops on job search techniques, resum� writing, career planning, life planning and entrepreneurship. The centre is fully equipped with access to computers, the Internet, newspapers and magazines, audio/video materials and a variety of print resources to aid in career and employment search.

"Earlier this week, at the Labour Market Symposium, there was a clear message to move forward in this direction and increase availability and access to career services in the community," said Minister Shelley. "The Career Information Resource Centre is an important part of this equation."

Timely and accurate labour market information is critically important for persons with limited or no exposure to the labour market. In order to make an informed choice, a person exploring their options needs access to accurate labour market information and professional career guidance and advice.

CIRC staff can help clients navigate through and understand current and projected trends in the labour market. In this way, individuals can better determine which occupations are suitable to their interests, which are in demand and what are the associated education and skills requirements necessary to enter a particular field. This can help a person make a decision regarding a return to formal education and training, short-term upgrading and realize their entry or return to the workplace.

The CIRC plays an important role in helping business and employers connect to employees within the local labour market. For employers, the CIRC offers a convenient location through which to promote their work opportunities and meet potential employees through matching services offered through the CIRC. The CIRC is also active in assisting local employers improve their human resource planning, recruitment and training needs.

There is a strong focus on community engagement and interaction. The CIRC is an active partner within the broader delivery of career services in the community. Staff work with a number of community-based agencies to coordinate the delivery of services to clients. As well, community-based agencies have access to meeting and workshop space at the centre.

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2006 11 02                                                           1:30 p.m.