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Human Resources, Labour and Employment
May 18, 2011

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

Grant Program Encourages Innovative Workplace Skills Development Practices

I rise today to inform this Honourable House of an exciting development in the Provincial Government’s commitment to help young people seize opportunities and build better futures.

Since the launch of the Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy, we have been communicating with our youth and helping them access the endless opportunities that abound in Newfoundland and Labrador.

One of the 41 initiatives contained in the strategy was a grant program to support businesses that wish to implement innovative workplace skills development practices for young people.

Through a commitment of $100,000, the Grant Program for Businesses to Implement Innovative Workplace Skills Development Practices will assist businesses that have recruitment or retention challenges. It will provide an incentive for employers to encourage innovation in workplace strategies and practices to increase their capacity to recruit and retain recent graduates and young workers.

This exciting program offers grants of up to $5,000 for small and medium-sized businesses. It will be administered by the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Community Business Development Corporations, an organization which recognizes the critical role youth play in developing a strong business climate in the province.

By empowering youth, we are laying the groundwork to ensure the growth and sustainability of Newfoundland and Labrador. Today’s announcement is an exciting new development for post-secondary students, young workers, and businesses operating throughout the province.

Youth have clearly stated that accessing employment and gaining workplace experience is a priority.

Through Budget 2011, Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Government has allocated $3.7 million for grants and subsidies in support of the Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy.

By enhancing education, research and the labour market in this province with these kinds of investments, we are contributing to a stronger and prosperous future for everyone.

In closing, as the Minister Responsible for Youth Engagement in this province, I am looking forward to seeing the results of this program, as young people and businesses work in partnership to realize their dreams and goals in Newfoundland and Labrador.

2011 05 18             2:30 p.m.

 
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