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Human Resources, Labour and Employment
September 16, 2009

Minister Applauds Role of Project Sponsors in
Helping Older Workers Reenter the Workforce

The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, met with Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW) project sponsors yesterday at a workshop held at the Comfort Inn in St. John�s. The two-day session, which wraps up today, was designed to bring community-based project sponsors together with government staff to share best practice procedures and approaches, thereby enhancing the experiences of their clients.

"The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers is one of the key ways we are supporting mature workers in rural communities who have been displaced during this current period of rapid economic change," said Minister Sullivan. "Through the efforts of community-based project sponsors, many of these displaced workers are now learning how to make their experience applicable in other industries. They are acquiring new skills that make them more employable, and building the confidence needed to transfer into new career opportunities."

The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers is a federal-provincial cost-shared initiative aimed at providing employment support to unemployed workers aged 55-64 who live in communities that have been severely impacted by downsizing or business closures.

The success of the TIOW has grown over the past year. In 2008, 10 TIOW projects assisted 127 older workers in various areas of the province. This year, 16 projects are helping 260 participants. This past March, the TIOW program was officially extended to 2012.

"The Provincial Government is very supportive of the groups which are implementing TIOW projects at the ground level," added Minister Sullivan. "Not only does this program benefit the participants, but project sponsors also benefit as they gain access to a workforce of mature, experienced workers who are eager to apply their skills in new areas. I would encourage all local employers and community groups to consider the 2010 TIOW program."

For more information on 2009-10 TIOW projects, visit www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2009/hrle/0717n02.htm.

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Media contact:

Jennifer Collingwood
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
709-729-0753, 690-2498
jennifercollingwood@gov.nl.ca

2009 09 16                                                       11:20 a.m.
 


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