The Provincial Government is continuing its commitment to provide improved access to labour market services. Today, the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, announced that a new Career Work Centre (CWC) is now officially open to serve the public in the Grand Falls-Windsor region.

"The Career Work Centre is a one-stop centre where individuals and employers can find direct access to labour market information and services in their community," said Minister Skinner. "Our economy is rapidly changing and our government is taking the necessary steps to help ensure business owners and individuals are well equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead."

The Provincial Government provided a $1 million investment last year and an additional $1.1 million in 2008 to expand the CWC network across the province. The CWC in Grand Falls-Windsor is a significant part of that network, providing direct access to career and employment services. This centre provides assistance and training to individuals and employers. Online tools are available to help clients look for work or research another career option. This access allows for those using the centre to make informed decisions about their future. Employers can find out the current labour market conditions in the region, province and across Canada, giving them the edge needed to adjust to industry conditions.

"Grand Falls-Windsor is an important growth centre in Newfoundland and Labrador and as such new and diverse employment opportunities are beginning to emerge. The opening of the Career Work Centre in Grand Falls-Windsor will provide a tremendous service to job seekers and employers alike," said Susan Sullivan, MHA Grand Falls-Windsor - Buchans. "This innovative approach to identifying meaningful employment opportunities is a welcome addition to this district. I commend Minister Skinner and his department on such an initiative."

CWC offices are staffed with career information officers who can help clients take full advantage of the opportunities that exist in our province. Staff will provide assistance to clients who want to write a resume or conduct an online job search, hold a training session or need help with recruitment. A telephone, fax and photocopier are available to assist individuals and employers at no cost. Daily and weekly newspapers as well as labour market and career materials are also provided to assist with job searches and human resource planning.

"Those with an interest in furthering their careers, expanding or starting a business or entering the workforce for the first time are encouraged to visit our centres and take advantage of the information available," said Minister Skinner.

Photo #1: The Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, centre, is joined by (from L to R) Jennifer Brown, Donna McDonald, David Sweet, Darren Finn, Nadine Hale, Patsy Frampton, Carson Saunders, Eugene Hickey, Carla Saunders, Ellen Foley, Stephanie Greene, Leon House (behind Stephanie), Christa Skinner, Cynthia Hennessey-Lewis to cut the cake at the official opening of the Grand Falls-Windsor Career Work Centre.

Media contact:

Ronalda Walsh
Director of Communications
Human Resources, Labour and Employment
709-729-0753, 699-7903
ronaldawalsh@gov.nl.ca

2008 07 18                                                        1:10 p.m.