Human Resources, Labour and
Employment
Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
June 7, 2010New Program Links
Interns and Businesses to Create Greater Export Activity
Through a funding commitment of $250,000 under the
Provincial Government's Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy (YRAS),
companies in Newfoundland and Labrador will acquire the tools they need
to be more competitive and target graduates who seek global employment
opportunities to work and contribute to their businesses.
The ExportAdvantage Internship Program was
launched today by the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human
Resources, Labour and Employment, and the Honourable Shawn Skinner,
Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, at the Scotsburn
Dairy Group in St. John's. The company is an example of a local exporter
with markets across Canada and around the world.
"Youth have stated that accessing employment and
gaining workplace experience is a top priority," said the Honourable
Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and
Minister Responsible for Youth Engagement. "Not only will this program
introduce recent graduates to exciting employment opportunities at home
and provide meaningful employment opportunities in the area of
international trade, but it will also strengthen the provincial labour
market."
The ExportAdvantage Internship Program will be
delivered by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development.
"Through its implementation, the program provides the
opportunity for local businesses to leverage the skills and knowledge of
recent graduates to increase their export activity," said Minister
Skinner. "Through this meaningful employment experience, interns will
identify new marketing opportunities, conduct research related to market
entry, develop export strategies, participate in trade missions, and
represent their employer at trade shows."
The program is designed to enhance exporting
capabilities of companies by providing them with trained individuals in
the international trade or exporting fields. Eligible companies that
hire a recent university or college graduate to help with their
export-related activities will qualify for financial assistance up to
$25,000 to cover a portion of the intern's salary.
Creating a Province of Choice: A Youth Retention and
Attraction Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador
was launched on November 5, 2009. Developed by youth, for youth, in
close collaboration with business, labour, and community leaders, the
strategy is supported by a three-year $15 million budget and contains 41
action items that are aimed at countering the impacts of out-migration,
strengthening the labour market and supporting the economic development
of the province.
For further information about the ExportAdvantage
Internship Program, please visit
www.gov.nl.ca/intrd/exporting/eaip.
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