Women Interested in Successful Employment to provide employment assistance services in the Gander area

July 25, 2003

GANDER, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR-The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Member of Parliament for Humber-St. Barbe-Baie Verte and Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development, along with the Honourable Anna Thistle, Minister of the Department of Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education for Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced funding of $121,213 for an Employment Assistance Services project in the Gander area.

"The wide range of career exploration resources available through this project will help participants obtain the tools they need to prepare themselves for the labour market," said Minister Byrne. "By availing themselves of this innovative and proactive program, people can take the necessary steps towards choosing a suitable career and becoming contributing members of the workforce."

"The women who take advantage of this project's services will benefit by gaining a better understanding of their options in the labour market," said Minister Thistle. "They will come away with a more in-depth knowledge of the education, training, and skills that are required for virtually any career in which they may be interested."

Under the project, Women Interested in Successful Employment will receive $121,213 to deliver three 12-week career exploration programs to help 45 women in Gander and the surrounding area achieve their career goals. Activities will include self-assessment, career exploration, communications skills and active job search. As part of the program, all participants will develop individual career goals and action plans.

This project is funded through Human Resources Development Canada's Employment Assistance Services. Employment Assistance Services helps unemployed individuals by providing counselling, job search techniques, job preparedness, and labour market information. The federal government, as represented by HRDC, and the provincial government, as represented by Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education, are working to help unemployed individuals find employment under the programs and services offered under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement.

Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget.

This project has been reviewed to ensure compliance with the Department's administration of its grant and contribution programs.

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For more information:

Bob Picco, Regional Communications Manager
Human Resources Development Canada
(709) 772-5346

Kathy Dicks-Peyton
Director of Communications
Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education
(709) 729-6573