Human, Resources, Labour, and Employment
April 30, 2010New Skilled Trades Mentoring Program
Launched
In response to the increasing demand for skilled workers in the
province, the Williams Government has committed $1.2 million in 2010-11
and a total of $2.5 million over the next three years to support the
implementation of a new skilled trades mentoring program, Try the
Trades.
The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour
and Employment, made the announcement at the 27th Annual Home
Show in St. John's yesterday evening.
"The opportunity for our workers to develop careers in skilled trades
with the assistance of those already involved in the industry is truly
invaluable," said Minister Sullivan. "Along with providing support for
new entrants to start their careers, this program will directly address
skilled trades shortages in the residential construction sector."
Try the Trades is a new, innovative, employer-driven program,
which will be delivered by the Department of Human Resources, Labour and
Employment in partnership with Canadian Home Builders' Association -
Eastern Newfoundland. It will give 400 individuals, including youth and
underemployed and unemployed workers between the ages of 18 and 39,
hands-on, real-world exposure to the residential construction skilled
trades.
"This is an exciting initiative, as we continue our efforts to meet
the industry demand for skilled workers and provide exposure to the
trades as an employment option for new entrants," said Tanya Ennis, CEO
with Canadian Home Builders' Association - Eastern Newfoundland. "We are
very pleased to see that the Provincial Government shares our priorities
with respect to meeting the demand for skilled employees as we address
the challenges of the future."
To deliver the Try the Trades program, employers and industry
representatives from the sector will lead a series of 24
career-orientation sessions that include both classroom-based and
hands-on experience through job exposure and experience. This will
include core workplace training required by all workers in the
construction sector, such as Construction Worker Safety training
provided by the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Safety
Association. The project is supported with funding under the Labour
Market Development Agreement (LMDA).
For more information on the Try the Trades skilled trades
mentoring program, please contact Canadian Home Builders' Association -
Eastern Newfoundland at 709-753-2000.
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