Through a funding commitment of $250,000 under the Provincial Government's Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy (YRAS), companies in Newfoundland and Labrador will acquire the tools they need to be more competitive and target graduates who seek global employment opportunities to work and contribute to their businesses.

The ExportAdvantage Internship Program was launched today by the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, and the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, at the Scotsburn Dairy Group in St. John's. The company is an example of a local exporter with markets across Canada and around the world.

"Youth have stated that accessing employment and gaining workplace experience is a top priority," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and Minister Responsible for Youth Engagement. "Not only will this program introduce recent graduates to exciting employment opportunities at home and provide meaningful employment opportunities in the area of international trade, but it will also strengthen the provincial labour market."

The ExportAdvantage Internship Program will be delivered by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development.

"Through its implementation, the program provides the opportunity for local businesses to leverage the skills and knowledge of recent graduates to increase their export activity," said Minister Skinner. "Through this meaningful employment experience, interns will identify new marketing opportunities, conduct research related to market entry, develop export strategies, participate in trade missions, and represent their employer at trade shows."

The program is designed to enhance exporting capabilities of companies by providing them with trained individuals in the international trade or exporting fields. Eligible companies that hire a recent university or college graduate to help with their export-related activities will qualify for financial assistance up to $25,000 to cover a portion of the intern's salary.

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 ExportAdvantage Internship Program, please visit www.gov.nl.ca/intrd/exporting/eaip.

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