February 11, 2014
Funding for Work Skills Strengthens Communities
More than $800,000 for Targeted Initiative for Older Workers Program
The latest round of approvals for the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers program provides $806,728 to deliver training and employment opportunities to 45 older workers through five projects taking place in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
“These projects provide workers with valuable experience in areas such as human resources, construction, marketing, program and community development, living history interpretation, archival collection and research and manufacturing. This is another example of how the Provincial Government remains focused on the province’s long-term prosperity by encouraging job creation for older workers.”
- The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills.
The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers is provided in partnership with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and Employment and Social Development Canada. The program provides individuals with valuable skills and work experience to help them to secure long-term meaningful employment. A detailed list of approved projects is provided in the attached backgrounder.
Projects are approved based on criteria such as communities affected by significant downsizing or closures, the number of workers aged 55-64 in the area, the value of training and labour demand.
Through sound fiscal management and responsible decisions, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is strengthening the business environment, encouraging the development of innovative industries and building a vibrant economy.
QUICK FACTS
- $806,728 in funding announced for the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers will support 45 older workers through five projects taking place in communities throughout the province.
- The program provides participants who are experiencing long-term employment challenges with training and employment opportunities.
- Since 2008, approximately 656 participants have worked on 51 projects with a federal investment in excess of $9.7 million and provincial investment in excess of $1.8 million.
- 30 -
Media contact:John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Advanced Education and Skills
709-729-0753, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Projects Under the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers Program
| Mariner Resource Opportunities Network Carbonear | $103,737 | Help 12 older workers complete training and develop the skills to work in the service sector. |
| Trinity Historical Society | $107,958 | Help eight older workers develop skills to work in archival collection and research, carpentry, living history interpretation, tour guiding and community development. |
| White Bay Central Development Association | $164,494 | Help seven older workers develop basic carpentry skills and finish work on a multi-purpose building. |
| Town of Englee | $174,577 | Train eight older workers as qualified artisans in beginner and advanced glass art production. |
| Town of St. Lewis | $255,962 | Train 10 older workers in jewelry design with the aim of setting up a community cooperative to market products developed. |
2014 02 11 1:30 p.m.