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Human Resources, Labour and Employment
Executive Council
January 28, 2010

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.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

Jennifer Collingwood
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and
Employment
709-729-0753, 690-2498
jennifercollingwood@gov.nl.ca
Lesley Clarke
Communications Specialist
Intergovernmental Affairs Secretariat
Voluntary and Non-Profit Secretariat
709-729-6026, 699-2910
lesleyclarke@gov.nl.ca
Dr. Peter Rans
Director, Division of Co-operative Education
Memorial University of Newfoundland and
Labrador
709-737-8815
Elizabeth Chaulk
Vice President, Learner Services
College of the North Atlantic
709-643-7729

 

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.
 


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