The Provincial Government took another important step forward today to improve labour market services for individuals and employers in the Trinity-Conception Bay area of the province with the official opening of a new Career Work Centre (CWC) in Carbonear.

In addition to a $1 million investment last year, Budget 2008 includes an additional $1.1 million to further expand the CWC network with an additional six sites. In the coming year, as new CWC sites are staffed and equipped, the Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment will more than double the total number to 14 throughout the province.

"The Career Work Centre network is an innovative approach that supports regional labour market development while providing direct access to career and employment services right within the community," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "Our goal is to help individuals and employers take full advantage of the many exciting new opportunities arising as a result of a rapidly changing provincial economy."

The CWC offers individuals and employers access to the latest labour market information. This includes assistance and training to better understand emerging trends. There are a variety of on-line tools available to help a person look for work or explore another career option. This enables clients to make a better informed decision about their future. Employers can gain a better understanding of local, provincial and national labour market conditions and be in a better position to adapt more quickly to changing conditions within their industry. CWC staff can help an employer find suitable candidates to meet their business needs.

"The Carbonear � Harbour Grace district is continuously growing and the establishment of a Career Work Centre in the community will be a tremendous resource for those attempting to improve their employment situation," said the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, MHA for the District of Carbonear � Harbour Grace. "I commend Minister Skinner and the Provincial Government for their dedication to expanding this service in Newfoundland and Labrador."

The CWC provides clients with access to computers and the internet so they can write a cover letter or resume and conduct an on-line job search. At no cost, a telephone, fax and photocopier are available to support a person�s access to CWC services. Individuals can use the CWC to access the daily and weekly newspapers as well as a variety of printed labour market, career and employment materials. The CWC promotes social interaction and networking opportunities to help a person get better connected to services in the broader community.

"We offer professional staff in a friendly and welcoming environment who are dedicated to helping the public explore their education and training options, find help with a job search, or gain access to a variety of career and employment programs and services," said Minister Skinner. "It is important for local employers to know that the CWC is available to help with your human resource needs."

The expanded CWC network is part of a series of Budget 2008 labour market initiatives. This year, $5.3 million is being invested to provide the people of the province with improved access to labour market information, career and employment services, and to better connect employers and job seekers in today�s competitive labour market.

-30-

Photo #1: The Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, second from left, is joined by the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, MHA for the District of Carbonear � Harbour Grace, second from right, and Calvin Peach, MHA for the District of Bellevue, left, to cut the ribbon to officially open the Carbonear Career Work Centre. At right is John Kennedy, an employee of the Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment.

Media contact:
Ed Moriarity
Director of Communications
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-4062, 728-9623
edmoriarity@gov.nl.ca 

2008 05 16                                                  2:25 p.m.