Government of Canada helps youth in Dufferin-Caledon get jobs in high-demand fields

Orangeville Ontario—David Tilson, Member of Parliament for Dufferin-Caledon today announced support that will equip young Canadians in Dufferin-Caledon with the skills and work experience needed to get jobs in high-demand fields.

“Our government is committed to creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity all across Canada,” said Mr Tilson. “Initiatives like Skills Link will help connect youth with jobs in high-demand fields while ensuring that Canada’s economy benefits from the skills and talents of young Canadians. By investing in youth today, we are making sure they can contribute to our long-term prosperity.”

“Since 2006, the Government has helped more than half a million young Canadians develop the skills they need to help them succeed in the job market,” said David Tilson. “I am pleased to announce that young Canadians in Dufferin-Caledon will benefit from our initiatives to connect young people with jobs.”

Skills Link helps youth facing barriers to employment—including youth who are single parents, youth with disabilities, young newcomers and youth in rural and remote areas—to develop the skills and gain the experience needed to find a job or the confidence to return to school. Since 2006, the Skills Link initiative has helped over 179 000 youth get jobs or return to school.

Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology is receiving more than $413,573 from the Skills Link program through Economic Action Plan 2013 to help youth facing barriers to employment get the skills and knowledge they need to find jobs.

“With the assistance of the federal Skills Link program Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology has been delivering projects since 2008 through our Step Up program. We are thrilled to be launching this program again for youth in Dufferin County. The program provides the youth with the skills, career planning and guidance they need to be successful in the workforce”, said Brenda Burman Manager, Career and Employment Services, Georgian College.

Youth employment programs are part of the Government of Canada’s strategy to connect Canadians with available jobs. Economic Action Plan 2013 proposes new measures to equip Canadians with the skills and training they need to fill skills shortages and succeed in the Canadian labour market. These include the Canada Job Grant, which will invest in skills training for unemployed and underemployed Canadians, better ensuring they are qualified to fill the high-quality, well-paying jobs that are available. Economic Action Plan 2013 is also creating opportunities for apprentices and providing support to under-represented groups such as Canadians with disabilities, Aboriginal people, newcomers and youth.

To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit actionplan.gc.ca.

The Government of Canada is helping youth plan their careers, learn new skills and find jobs through enhanced online services available at youth.gc.ca.