Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
June 12, 2017

Minister Byrne Announces Enhancements to Linkages Program Applications

The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, today announced the Provincial Government is enhancing the Linkages program application process to provide faster approvals.

This year, applications may be submitted for immediate processing at any time until September 15. Previously, applications were only processed after the deadline had passed. This enhancement will allow approved applicants to be notified more quickly and start their projects in summer or early fall when labour market opportunities are best.

The Linkages program is targeted to youth 18-30 years of age who have completed a minimum Level II high school, but have not completed post-secondary education and have not made a successful transition to the labour force. The program links them with not-for-profit community organizations that provide social and educational supports. The program offers a 26-week work placement, bi-weekly career planning workshops, and a completion bonus of $468.

Budget 2017 provides $2 million in joint provincial-federal funding for the Linkages program.

For more information about the Linkages program guidelines, or to submit an application online, visit www.aesl.gov.nl.ca/students/linkages.html.

Quote
“Through partnership with community organizations, the Linkages Program helps unemployed and under-employed youth participate more fully in the labour force. This program is an excellent example of collaboration between government, industry and stakeholders, which is in keeping with the approach being used by our government’s new Cabinet Committee on Jobs to foster economic growth and employment.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour

- 30 -

Learn more
Linkages Program - www.aesl.gov.nl.ca/students/linkages.html

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL external link and @AESL_GovNL external link

Media contact
Ryan Crocker
Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
709-729-1795, 725-9595
RyanCrocker@gov.nl.ca

2017 06 12                              2:30 p.m.