BROCKVILLE - September 27, 2010—Local youth will have the opportunity to learn about career possibilities in the skilled trades thanks to support from the Government of Canada. Mr. Gordon Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds–Grenville, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
 
“In today’s environment, it is more important than ever that young Canadians have the skills and information they need to participate and succeed in the job market,” said Mr. Brown. “Our government is proud to support activities like these that benefit both employers and youth.”

St. Lawrence College will receive over $69,000 through the Government of Canada’s Youth Awareness program to organize two career fairs, one in Brockville and one in Cornwall, for youth and community members. The fairs will introduce youth to a variety of local employers, as well as promote employment opportunities and career possibilities available in the skilled trades.

“Trade Roots will inform and educate youth regarding skilled trades and employment shortages in the skilled trades,” said Mr. Charlie Mignault, Director of Business Development at St. Lawrence College. “Moreover, the initiative will showcase skilled trades employers in the region, training opportunities, apprenticeship information, and agencies in the community who assist youth. We thank Service Canada for funding this program.”

The federal government is working with the provinces and territories, community organizations and other stakeholders to provide Canadians with the training, skills and opportunities they need to participate in the workforce and contribute to their communities.

Youth Awareness is part of the Government of Canada’s strategy to create the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world. The Government underscored its commitment to this strategy in Canada’s Economic Action Plan. A key component of the Plan is to create more and better opportunities for Canadian workers through skills development. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

The Youth Awareness program is delivered by Service Canada, which provides onestop personalized services for Government of Canada programs, services and benefits. For more information about this program, visit www.servicecanada.gc.ca, call 1 800 O-Canada or drop by your local Service Canada Centre.