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Human Resources, Labour and Employment
April 21, 2010

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment:

Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy Forging Ahead

I rise today to update this Honourable House about our success to date in making Newfoundland and Labrador a province of choice for young people to live and work. I am proud to say we are achieving very positive results since launching our Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy just a few short months ago.

This government considers investments in our youth a key priority. We are focused on making sure young people, both here at home and around the world, know that Newfoundland and Labrador is a place where you can grow your family, build your career and follow your dreams.

Already this year, we have taken action on 34 initiatives identified in the strategy valued at $1.9 million. This includes significant investments aimed at increasing access to employment opportunities. During this winter semester alone, approximately 130 young people benefited from expanded job placements through initiatives such as the Graduate Employment Program, the expansion of work-term placements for engineering students, and new internship opportunities within the public sector.

But this is just part of the picture. The Provincial Government has also provided funding to expand the government Apprenticeship Hiring Program for skilled trade workers. Through this program, we will be helping 50 young apprentices gain the work experience they need in order achieve their journey person certification. We will continue to invest in this program, with another $1.5 million over the next two years.

Along with these investments, the Provincial Government recognizes the critical importance of encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit for our young people within our Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy.

With that goal in mind, we have invested in community organizations, such as SIFE Memorial and Junior Achievement of Newfoundland and Labrador, to expand access to financial literacy and career information, foster entrepreneurship and increase young people's awareness of the culture, lifestyle and benefits of living and working in the province.

I encourage all members of this Honourable House to stay tuned for more exciting youth initiatives as we work to fulfill our commitment to implementing all 41 of the strategy's initiatives in 2010.

These initiatives will ensure that we have the solid foundation we need to attract and retain young skilled workers, as we continue our future growth and prosperity in Newfoundland and Labrador.

2010 04 21                                                   2:15 p.m.
 


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