WETASKIWIN, ALBERTA— Blaine Calkins, Member of Parliament for Wetaskiwin, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today announced funding of $443,984 for a project that will help 20 youth in Wetaskiwin make a successful transition into the workplace. 

“"Canada’s new Government is committed to helping young Canadians get career-related work experience," said Mr. Calkins.  "Investing in Canada's future will help us build a stronger economy, stronger communities, and a stronger society."

Canada's New Government is proud to invest in initiatives that enable young Canadians to gain the experience that matters and access better employment opportunities," said Mr. Calkins. "The Community Learning Council here in Wetaskiwin will be doing just that – - they will provide young Albertans with essential training to develop life skills and enhance employment skills."

The funding going to the Community Learning Council for Wetaskiwin and Area will enable 20 youth facing barriers to employment to acquire the skills, knowledge and work experience they need to participate in the job market.

The project, called Wetaskiwin Skills Link Three, involves individual client assessments and the development of individual action plans to help participants identify and develop the skills necessary to address barriers to employment.  Participants will become more employable  able to gain employability through a combination of interventions focusing on providing candidates with life skills, employment related skills enhancement, community service and work experience.  These will include workshops on communication and listening skills, problem solving, conflict resolution, group dynamics, resumé and cover letter preparation, and interview techniques.

Financial assistance for this project has been provided through the Skills Link Program.  This program helps youth facing barriers to employment to acquire the skills, knowledge and work experience they need to participate in the job market.

Canada’s New Government's commitment to improving opportunities for youth is part of an ongoing effort to create a strong and productive workforce. The Government is workings with employers, community organizations and other levels of government to ensure that Canada’s youth have an opportunity to develop their skills and gain the job experience required to succeed in today’s workforce.

Service Canada provides Canadians with one-stop, easy-to-access personalized service.  It brings Government of Canada programs and services together in a single delivery network to meet the needs of Canadians, wherever they live.  Canadians can access services however they choose, by phone through the 1 800 O-Canada line, by iInternet at servicecanada.gc.ca, by mail or in person.

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