In response to the increasing demand for skilled workers in the province, the Williams Government has committed $1.2 million in 2010-11 and a total of $2.5 million over the next three years to support the implementation of a new skilled trades mentoring program, Try the Trades.

The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, made the announcement at the 27^th Annual Home Show in St. John's yesterday evening.

"The opportunity for our workers to develop careers in skilled trades with the assistance of those already involved in the industry is truly invaluable," said Minister Sullivan. "Along with providing support for new entrants to start their careers, this program will directly address skilled trades shortages in the residential construction sector."

Try the Trades is a new, innovative, employer-driven program, which will be delivered by the Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment in partnership with Canadian Home Builders' Association - Eastern Newfoundland. It will give 400 individuals, including youth and underemployed and unemployed workers between the ages of 18 and 39, hands-on, real-world exposure to the residential construction skilled trades.

"This is an exciting initiative, as we continue our efforts to meet the industry demand for skilled workers and provide exposure to the trades as an employment option for new entrants," said Tanya Ennis, CEO with Canadian Home Builders' Association - Eastern Newfoundland. "We are very pleased to see that the Provincial Government shares our priorities with respect to meeting the demand for skilled employees as we address the challenges of the future."

To deliver the Try the Trades program, employers and industry representatives from the sector will lead a series of 24 career-orientation sessions that include both classroom-based and hands-on experience through job exposure and experience. This will include core workplace training required by all workers in the construction sector, such as Construction Worker Safety training provided by the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Safety Association. The project is supported with funding under the Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA).

For more information on the Try the Trades skilled trades mentoring program, please contact Canadian Home Builders' Association - Eastern Newfoundland at 709-753-2000.

- 30 -

Media contacts: