Youth Retention and
Attraction Strategy Expands
Internship Opportunities for Post-secondary Students
Thanks to a funding commitment of
$749,500 under the province's Youth Retention and
Attraction Strategy (YRAS), more post-secondary students
across Newfoundland and Labrador will have access to
work-term placements and internships this semester
(Winter 2010).
"Today's announcement is an exciting
new development for post-secondary students and
businesses operating throughout the province," said the
Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources,
Labour and Employment and Minister Responsible for Youth
Engagement. "Youth have clearly stated that accessing
employment and gaining workplace experience is a
priority. This funding responds directly to this need by
expanding internship opportunities for students in
small, medium and large businesses, as well as in both
the public and non-profit sectors. This will not only
benefit students, but will also strengthen the
provincial labour market."
To increase internship opportunities
in the non-profit sector, a new program has been created
under the Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy,
Advancing Non-profit and Voluntary Investments in
Learning (ANVIL).
"The non-profit sector can provide
some of the most challenging and rewarding work
environments for students," said the Honourable Dave
Denine, Minister Responsible for the Volunteer and
Non-Profit Sector. "The ANVIL program gives young people
a tremendous new opportunity to engage in
skill-building, as well as the chance to make a
contribution toward community enhancement. The program
will provide much needed support and expertise to the
community-based sector and the start of many rewarding
careers."
The funding announced today also
includes a one-time allocation to expand work-term
opportunities in the private and public sectors for
Memorial University of Newfoundland engineering
students.
"This increased funding will create a
wealth of new employment and educational opportunities
for students who are preparing for careers in key growth
sectors," said Dr. Peter Rans, director of the Division
of Co-operative Education for Memorial University. "The
Williams Government has demonstrated its commitment to
enhancing education, research and the labour market in
this province with this investment, and I am looking
forward to seeing more young engineers and employers
benefit from great internship experiences."
The Provincial Government has also
committed to create more internship opportunities for
interested post-secondary students and organizations
though the Small Enterprise Co-operative Assistance
Placement Program (SECAPP).
"New business activity is a key
economic driver, and so it is important to encourage our
students to consider career paths that involve new
ventures," said Elizabeth Chaulk, Associate Vice
president of Learner Services, College of the North
Atlantic. "The SECAPP instills a greater sense of
entrepreneurial spirit in our youth. The Provincial
Government's support of the expansion of learning
opportunities will form the foundation of many great
careers in this province."
Creating a Province of Choice: A Youth
Retention and Attraction Strategy for Newfoundland and
Labrador was launched on
November 5, 2009. Developed by youth, for youth, in
close collaboration with business, labour, and community
leaders, the strategy is supported by a three-year $15
million budget and contains 41 action items that are
aimed at countering the impacts of out-migration,
strengthening the labour market and supporting the
economic development of the province.
For further information about the
Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy, visit
www.lmiworks.nl.ca/yras
Contact information for each of the
internship opportunities announced today can be found in
the backgrounder below.
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Media contacts:
Backgrounder
Internship
Opportunities Expanded Through the Youth Retention and
Attraction Strategy
Internship opportunities in small,
medium and large businesses, as well as in both the
public and non-profit sectors will be expanded under the
province's Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy in
the following areas:
Advancing Non-profit and Voluntary
Investments in Learning (ANVIL)
This is a new program that will
introduce approximately 40-50 internship opportunities
over the next three years for post-secondary students in
the non-profit sector. These internships will help
address the high priority youth placed on gaining work
experience in this sector. With a 67 per cent wage
subsidy to a maximum of $8.00 per hour, this initiative
will also help non-profit organizations address existing
labour shortages to attract and retain young, skilled
workers.
For more information on the ANVIL
program, please contact Memorial University of
Newfoundland, Division of Co-operative Education, at
709-737-8815.
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Engineering Program
Today's announcement also includes a
one time allocation to expand work-term opportunities
for Memorial University engineering students in both the
private and public sectors during this winter semester.
Employers can avail of a 50 per cent wage subsidy
towards the student's salary up to a maximum of $6.00
per hour.
For more information on the MUN
Engineering program, please contact Memorial University
of Newfoundland, Division of Co-operative Education, at
709-737-8815.
Small Enterprise Co-operative
Assistance Placement Program (SECAPP)
SECAPP is delivered through Memorial
University and College of the North Atlantic. Students
are given the opportunity to explore small business and
entrepreneurship as a career option and gain experience
in their field of study through 12-16 week work-term
placements with local small-to-medium sized businesses.
Employers enjoy the opportunity to hire potential future
employees using a 50 per cent wage subsidy towards the
student's salary up to a maximum of $6.00 per hour.
For more information on SECAPP, please
contact College of the North Atlantic, Learner Services,
at 709-643-7729.
2010 01 28 10:15 a.m.