Canada Career Week: Seek Change � Find Direction

Joan Burke, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, and Tom Hedderson, Minister of Education, today recognized the beginning of Canada Career Week in Newfoundland and Labrador. Career Week started October 30 and continues until November 5. The theme of this year�s career week is Seek Change � Find Direction.

�Our labour market is rapidly and constantly changing,� said Minister Burke. �To succeed, it is important to be informed about labour market trends, especially knowing what skills are in demand by employers both now and in the future.�

�Careful, informed planning is required to ensure success in post-secondary education and beyond,� said Education Minister Tom Hedderson. �This is why the Department of Education provides detailed program and career information, with such publications as CareerSearch, our graduate follow-up studies and apprenticeship survey. We have made enormous amounts of career information available, and I encourage anyone who is contemplating a career move to visit our Web site, www.gov.nl.ca/edu, and take advantage of these reports. We also provide career and financial counseling services to ensure our students make proper career choices.�

During the week people, across the province and the country, will be participating in events and activities that offer opportunities to find out about trends in the labour market, pursue career interests, attend career fairs, talk to role models, bring their child to work, or even volunteer in a chosen work environment.

Government will also be taking part in a number of these events to promote provincial education, employment and career supports available including the Newfoundland and Labrador Work Information Network.

Through the province�s Work Information Network, people across the province have access to information including labour market trends, job search and recruitment, self employment, current work issues as well as information on provincial and federal employment programs and supports. Network staff members also provide one-on-one guidance on career planning and employment.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Work Information Network can be accessed on-line at www.gov.nl.ca/nlwin. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can also reach the network by calling toll-free, 1-800-563-6600.

�This government is committed to ensuring everyone in the province has access to the right supports and information to succeed in our ever-changing labour market,� said Minister Burke. �Career Week activities are a great opportunity to educate yourself on how to best reach your employment and career goals. I invite everyone to empower themselves through learning as we celebrate this special week.�

Media contact:

Jacquelyn Howard, Communications, Human Resources, Labour and Employment, (709) 729-4062, 689-2624
Alex Marland, Communications, Education, (709)-729-0048, 690-6047

2005 10 31                             9:35 a.m.