Province Provides Additional Career Development Support in Schools

Human Resources, Labour and Employment
Education
September 17, 2008
Province Provides Additional Career Development Support in Schools

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is continuing to ensure young people across the province understand and are prepared for emerging opportunities in today�s labour market. The province�s commitment to career development in schools is being strengthened through the hiring of 10 career resource professionals who will have a direct link with the education system. This announcement was made today by the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, and the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education.

"This is an excellent opportunity for our government to further support career development in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Skinner. "The career resource staff will assist in the promotion of labour market information and provide supports for career development. With this initiative, we can build on current career development resources in schools and strengthen partnerships between industry, labour, schools, the community and government."

The career resource professionals in these positions will work with teachers and guidance counsellors in the secondary school system and collaborate with others involved in various career and employment initiatives within Human Resources, Labour and Employment, Education and partners at the community level including business and labour. Budget 2007 provided funding in the amount of $500,000 to hire staff and implement the initiative. These positions will be located in school district and HRLE offices throughout the province and will assist in the development of services that combine school with work exploration activities and increase student awareness on the range of education and employment opportunities available in their own communities and province.

"This is a progressive allocation of additional resources to our school system that will prove to be a tremendous asset for our students, teachers and guidance counsellors," said Minister Burke. "They will play a key role in developing and implementing strategies to respond to identified needs within specific, local communities. Students and teaching professionals will have greater access to information about career opportunities right next door, or on the international and national stage."

The hiring of the 10 career resource staff complements other investments such as: student summer employment and tutoring programs; initiatives related to the Skills Task Force; the establishment of Career Work Centres across the province that provide access to the latest labour market information and career and employment services; the development of a Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy; the LMIworks website (www.lmiworks.nl.ca) that provides up-to-date and relevant career and employment information; and, the Career Cruising programs available to high school students.

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Media contacts:

Ronalda Walsh
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and
Employment
709-729-0723, 699-7903
ronaldawalsh@gov.nl.ca

Jacquelyn Howard
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Developing and Investing in the Provincial Labour Market

The Provincial Government is investing significantly in initiatives that better connect employers and job seekers in today�s competitive labour market. Budget 2008 allocated $5.3 million to fund initiatives that 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. These initiatives include:

$1.38 million to develop a comprehensive Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy to encourage young people to stay, live and work in the province;

$1.25 million to meet increased demand for post-secondary training and job trainer supports under the Training Services Program and the Supported Employment Program for persons with disabilities;

$1.1 million to expand the Career Work Centre network with the establishment of six additional locations throughout the province;

$430,000 to enhance community-based employment and labour market programs;

$380,000 to strengthen the province�s capacity to develop and distribute labour market information;

$338,000 to develop a national and international awareness campaign to promote the labour market opportunities available here in Newfoundland and Labrador;

$141,000 to establish an international registry and associated website to provide a direct means for workers from across Canada and the world to connect to employment prospects in Newfoundland and Labrador;

$87,000 to increase the province�s capacity to effectively manage the labour supply and forecast upcoming requirements due to the impact of emerging major project developments, a growing economy and retirements;

$80,000 to foster effective labour market partnerships through the Strategic Partnership Initiative;

$75,000 to help local employers and industry groups who participate in job fairs; and,

$50,000 to develop an employer�s tool kit and hiring guide.

The Provincial Government is investing $2.1 million in Budget 2008 to support initiatives that enable income support clients, marginalized workers, persons with disabilities, and other low income workers to make a successful transition to work, work more hours, increase their skills and earnings, and maintain long-term employment.

$1.2 million to expand workplace incentives and open up opportunities for income support clients to go to work by building on program initiatives. This includes increasing earnings exemptions and other supports to ensure income support clients are financially better off when they go to work;

An additional $300,000 is being provided to further improve the earnings exemption program for income support clients with disabilities; and,

$128,000 is being invested to expand the successful Employment Transitions Program for single parents.

Improving the Post-Secondary Education and Training System

The Provincial Government is also 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:

$1.11 million to help address a shortage of skilled workers in the areas of business, engineering and marine management and information/communications technology by expanding the Faculties of Business and Engineering and the Technology Diploma Program at Memorial University and introducing new graduate programs at the Marine Institute;

$1 million to continue the Shop Modernization Program at College of the North Atlantic;

$750,000 to upgrade high school fabrication suites in support of the Futures in Skilled Trades and Technology Program;

$200,000 to create additional job opportunities for apprentices with government boards and agencies;

$100,000 to support the work of the Industry Co-ordinating Committee to implement the Skills Task Force Action Plan;

$95,000 to introduce on-line delivery of apprenticeship programs; and,

$70,000 to establish a new standards and curriculum unit for the apprenticeship program in Clarenville to support new initiatives such as development of youth apprenticeship and an essential skills program.

2008 09 17 11:20 a.m.

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