The Williams Government is investing $10.2 million in Budget 2008 to provide the people of the province with improved access to labour market information, career and employment services, and post-secondary education and training. This strategic investment will serve to increase labour market participation and meet the growing demand in the economy for a highly-skilled and capable workforce.

"The investments we are making, in partnership with business, labour and our post- secondary institutions, are ensuring that we are prepared to fully embrace the human resource development challenges and opportunities ahead," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "Budget 2008 labour market initiatives will better secure a sustainable and prosperous future for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."

Budget 2008 includes a series of strategic initiatives to further develop the labour market and expand the responsiveness of the province�s post-secondary education and training system.

"The province�s labour market has been changing dramatically due to emerging demographic trends and improving economic performance," said Minister Skinner. "In Budget 2008, our government is responding with significant investments to help people take full advantage of and participate in the exciting new opportunities arising across many sectors of the economy."

Budget 2008 has allocated $5.3 million to better connect employers and job seekers in today�s competitive labour market. These initiatives will improve the province�s ability to attract, recruit and retain workers, enhance the quality and use of labour market information, and increase labour market participation. They include:

Great strides have been made in recent years to ensure the province�s post-secondary institutions are meeting the needs of students and the emerging needs of industry. In 2007, the number of active apprentices increased by nine per cent, individuals challenging inter-provincial exams was up by six per cent and the number of trade qualifiers being approved was up by an incredible 60 per cent. Since 2004, the number of women registering for apprenticeship programs in trades traditionally dominated by men has increased by 35 per cent.

"Our current initiatives have generated a steady increase in the number of apprentices being trained in our province," said Minister Burke. "With investments in Budget 2008, we will continue to focus on the implementation of the Skills Task Force Action Plan. In addition, we will also focus on the expansion of some of our professional schools to address human resource needs in the health care sector, and to further meet demands anticipated with the growth of the oil and gas and mining sectors."

The Provincial Government is investing $4.9 million in Budget 2008 to continue implementation of the Skills Task Force Action Plan and to ensure post-secondary institutions are offering the programs and training to meet labour market demands. This investment includes:

"A straightforward approach is required. This government recognizes that when we invest in people, we generate wealth and in turn establish a solid foundation upon which to build the long-term prosperity of the province," said Minister Skinner. "In a rapidly changing labour market it is essential that we maximize opportunities to increase workforce participation, improve employment outcomes for people and increase access to the skilled workers needed to grow our economy."

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2008 04 29                                              2:10 p.m.