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Human Resources, Labour and Employment
August 30, 2011

Employment Transitions Program Extended to Burin Peninsula

Single parents on the Burin Peninsula, within the next few weeks, will have access to the Employment Transitions program through an investment by the Provincial Government of approximately $154,000. This initiative will provide for single parents to participate in a nine-week program focusing on career planning, job readiness, job maintenance, and life skills.

“Through the Employment Transitions program, individuals build on the unique strengths they as single parents possess – resilience, drive, and desire to do better for themselves, their children and their families,” said the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. “It connects single parents with work opportunities and gives employers the opportunity to benefit from the many skills and talents single parents have to offer the workplace. The Employment Transitions program has already proven to be successful in other areas of the province, most recently in Labrador, and I am pleased that residents on the Burin Peninsula may soon avail of this great program.”

Employment Transitions provides an earned income supplement, intensive employment preparation and job search support in a structured setting with groups of 10 to 12 single parents. The program lasts approximately nine weeks, and is accompanied by continuous job maintenance support during and upon completion of the program.

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, and MHA for Burin - Placentia West, says the expansion of Employment Transitions to the Burin Peninsula is a welcome addition to the multitude of programs and services the Provincial Government offers to residents of his area.

“I am extremely pleased to see this program being expanded to the Burin Peninsula,” said Minister Jackman. “I would encourage any single parent who feels they could benefit from additional support in accessing and maintaining employment to inquire about the program. The skills and knowledge they will receive over the tenure of the program will ensure they are prepared for the workforce of the future.”

For the delivery of the program on the Burin Peninsula, the Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment has partnered with the Smallwood Crescent Community Centre.

"This unique program will now support single parents on the Burin Peninsula in their efforts to identify future possibilities and explore opportunities to find and maintain meaningful work," said Darrell Jackman, Executive Director of the centre. “The Smallwood Community Centre has extensive experience in working with individuals demonstrating complex needs, including those with financial, social, employment and housing issues. The introduction of the Employment Transitions program at our centre will significantly enhance the support we can provide participants. We are very pleased to be chosen to complete this important task.”

Employment Transitions is an initiative of the Poverty Reduction Strategy, and was first introduced in 2006 in St. John’s and Conception Bay North. It has since been expanded to Corner Brook, Grand Falls-Windsor, and Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador contained an additional $309,600 in new funding for the expansion of the Employment Transitions program in 2011, bringing the total annual expenditure to $579,600. This is part of over $140 million allocated in the budget for poverty reduction efforts throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Media contacts:

Bradley Power
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
709-729-0753, 699-5707
bradleypower@gov.nl.ca
Janice Brushett
Constituency Assistant to the
Honourable Clyde Jackman
MHA for Burin - Placentia West
709-891-5607,1-800-423-3301
janicebrushett@gov.nl.ca

2011 08 30                                       9:15 a.m.

 
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