With the help of a $135,260 contribution from the Provincial Government, the Community Youth Network (CYN) and the Community Education Network (CEN) will expand their new Power Up! employment program in 2009. The program is administered in the Bay St. George Area and is intended to help adults aged 25 and older who have experienced persistent difficulty with securing meaningful long-term employment.

"Given the present economic downturn, we want to do everything we can to support people in their job search efforts," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "The Power Up! program provides its participants with a comprehensive set of employment supports that are tailored specifically to their individual needs. The program enhances the self-confidence, personal skills, education, and employment opportunities of its participants, and so I am very pleased to see it expand."

Over the course of approximately 40 weeks, participants improve their connection with their community via involvement with a community-based project, enhance their employability skills and job search techniques through classroom sessions, gain work experience with a local employer, and learn life strategies in various seminars. The intention is to equip participants with the education and experiences they need to overcome employment barriers that may include single parent responsibilities, educational limitations, or personal issues. In its pilot year (2008), the program supported five participants, but due to the additional funding announced by the Provincial Government today, the program will support 10 participants in 2009.

"I�m pleased to know the Power Up! program will be available to even more people this year," said the Honourable Joan Burke, MHA for St. George's - Stephenville East District. "The Williams Government is always open to supporting programs that will help people improve their employment prospects. Power Up! is an exciting initiative that will provide opportunities and encouragement to people experiencing ongoing difficulty with finding meaningful employment, and so I fully support the expansion of this program."

"Assisting our residents with securing meaningful and rewarding employment opportunities not only improves the quality of life for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, but also ensures that they become valuable contributors to our provincial economy," said Tony Cornect, MHA for Port au Port District.  "I�m pleased to see this unique employment program receive the support it deserves, and I�m happy to know that several residents in the Bay St. George area will be given this opportunity to expand their horizons in 2009."