How do I get connected to the job market? What skilled trades are in demand? What training is required? Who is hiring today? These are just some of the questions that the Provincial Government�s new labour market Web site www.LMIworks.nl.ca can answer.

LMIworks was announced today by the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, and is part of a broader set of measures to improve access to career supports, employment and skills training in Newfoundland and Labrador. It supports and complements Budget 2007 investments of $6.7 million to expand career and employment services and improve the province�s skills training and apprenticeship system.

"LMIworks offers job seekers, parents and students, employers, communities and indeed anyone with a need or interest with access to up-to-date and relevant career and employment information," said Minister Skinner. "A competitive economy requires workers with the right set of skills to meet the needs of employers. This new site will help citizens and employers make better decisions and establish stronger connections in the labour market."

The challenges associated with developing a skilled workforce in the province require a coordinated and comprehensive response by government, business and labour. At the core is a requirement to provide access to organized and accessible labour market information. Citizens and groups echoed this point during the Skills Task Force consultations. To address this need, the Provincial Government is taking action with the launch of LMIworks. The new Web site is one part of an overall series of labour market development measures.

Lana Payne, 1^st vice president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour (NLFL) noted, "For working people and those about to embark on their working life, having access to current and accurate labour market information is not only helpful, but essential to a person�s ability to make informed choices. Labour market information shouldn�t be only accessible by experts and industry leaders, but to everyone who participates in or is about to participate in the workforce. This Web site is an important tool in providing that information."

LMIworks offers a single point of access to the most current labour market and career information in Newfoundland and Labrador. This is its unique advantage. There is information on a wide range of topics including careers, employment, training, human resources, occupations, industries, wages as well as provincial and regional labour market trends. For young people facing decisions regarding their future, the new Web site offers a wealth of convenient built-in tools and outside links.

Futures in Newfoundland and Labrador Youth (FINALY!) support the launch of the new Web site. "FINALY! is extremely excited to be involved with LMIworks," said Rhonda Tulk-Lane, Executive Director. "We look forward to working with the department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment in the future to deliver this �one-stop shop� to our youth."

Addressing the needs of employers is another important part of LMIworks. Today�s employer is facing new recruitment and retention challenges. The site has a dedicated selection of tools to help employers address human resource planning and workplace needs.

"Employers have come to rely upon the Internet as a primary source of information that is used to make informed decisions," said Marilyn Tucker, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Employers� Council. "LMIworks brings together a comprehensive collection of reputable Web sites that employers in Newfoundland and Labrador can feel comfortable knowing is accurate and relevant to local workplaces, saving needless time and money in the search for solid labour market information."

The new approach builds on the successful launch in 2006 of the Career Information Resource Centre (CIRC) with a $979,600 Budget 2007 investment this year to expand the model to five new sites in rural areas of the province. In addition to the CIRC network, the Provincial Government has a $500,000 Budget 2007 initiative in place to hire 10 new career information officers to support the career and labour market information needs of students, teachers and guidance counselors in the school system. LMIworks will be an important tool in support of the delivery of this new liaison and outreach program.

"LMIworks is an integral part of this government�s overall approach to career and employment services. In support of our business, labour and community partners, government is making significant new investments of $6.7 million this year to expand access to labour market information, establish new outreach services and provide the people of the province with increased access to skills training, apprenticeship and labour market development programs," said Minister Skinner.

-30-

Media contact:
Ed Moriarity
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
709-729-4062, 728-9623
edmoriarity@gov.nl.ca 

2007 05 04                                                     10:00 a.m.