Brockville - Local youth who face barriers to employment will get job preparation training and work experience through the Government of Canada’s support for four employment projects.

Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds–Grenville, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced that the Government of Canada is investing over $1 million in these youth employment projects.

“For many young Canadians, making the transition to the job market is a challenge, especially in today’s environment,” said Brown. “Our government is creating opportunities for youth to succeed through support for programs like Skills Link and Youth Awareness.”

With assistance from the Government of Canada, St. Lawrence College will deliver three Skills Link projects to help a total of 84 youth develop the skills and experience needed to find a job. The College will also deliver a project under the Youth Awareness Program that will provide information on apprenticeship and training opportunities to local youth.

Participants in the Skills Link projects will attend life and employability workshops that focus on topics such as resumé writing, teamwork and career planning. Based on their needs and interests, they will then have an opportunity to gain hands-on work experience through job placements.

Additionally, thanks to assistance from the federal Youth Awareness program, St. Lawrence College will hold career fairs in communities across the region. The career fairs will feature workshops and demonstrations of jobs in the skilled trades and health care sectors.