Human Resources, Labour and Employment
July 25, 2007

Province Supports Training and Employment of Students
for Irish Loop Tourism Sector

The Irish Loop of Newfoundland and Labrador is known for its long history, friendly people, stunning scenery, and a deep connection to Ireland. The Provincial Government encourages the promotion of these attributes to visitors to the province by helping young people receive training and job supports while they connect to meaningful summer employment in the tourism sector.

The Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, announced today that the Provincial Government is contributing $17,943 to the Irish Loop Tourism Association (ILTA) to support its promotional efforts in communities throughout the area as a component of its enhanced youth employment project.

"It is vitally important for our young people to receive valuable work experience during the summer months," said Minister Skinner. "I believe that this approach, with a specific focus on training for the tourism sector, can increase the quality of the interaction between youth and visitors to the province, and in turn, more meaningfully convey the story of our land and people while enriching the overall experience."

The funding enables the ILTA to employ three youth co-ordinators. The co-ordinators provide supervision and job coaching services to approximately 50 youth working through 13 organizations in eight communities along the Irish Loop.

"The Irish Loop is an amazing tourist attraction that must be supported," said Keith Hutchings, MHA for the District of Ferryland. "I wish these young people an informative and enjoyable summer as they share our culture with visitors to the region."

"I am so pleased that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has committed this funding to our association," said Martha Mullowney, chair of the Irish Loop Tourism Association. "Not only is this an investment in the history and culture of the Irish Loop, it is an investment in the future leaders of this region and our province."

The enhanced youth employment project sponsored by the Irish Loop Tourism Association and supported by Service Canada and Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador focuses on supporting youth employment in the not-for-profit tourism, culture and heritage sectors such as community-based museums and visitor information centres.

"I wish all the program participants well and hope that their summer is filled with new experiences and exciting challenges," continued Minister Skinner. "I am confident that the training and experience they receive will help them further their education and improve their leadership skills in the community, while providing meaningful exposure to a positive and rewarding career path in tourism."

Photo #1: The Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, and Keith Hutchings, MHA for the District of Ferryland, visited the Irish LoopTourism Association's Bay Bulls Visitor Information Centre and met with the staff.

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Media contact:

Ed Moriarity
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
709-729-4062, 728-9623
edmoriarity@gov.nl.ca 

2007 07 25                                                     12:40 p.m.

 


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