Williams Lake, British Columbia —Local youth who face barriers to employment will get job-preparation training and work experience through the Government of Canada’s support for an employment project. 

Dick Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo–Prince George, 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 youth develop the skills they need to participate and succeed in the job market,” said Mr. Harris.  “By supporting this project, we are helping Williams Lake youth develop the skills, knowledge and work experience they need to reach their full potential.”

The Boys and Girls Club of Williams Lake and District will receive $44,223 in federal Skills Link funding to support its youth employment project, which will help three youth facing employment barriers develop life and job skills to ease their transition to work or return to school.

Skills Link focuses on helping youth facing barriers to employment, such as single parents, Aboriginal youth, young persons with disabilities, recent immigrants, youth living in rural and remote areas, and youth who have dropped out of high school. 

“The program is a great fit with our long-term commitment to helping youth who face significant challenges in their lives to successfully live independently,” explained Ms. Monica Johnson, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club.  “A program such as this one provides the youth with pre-employment skills development and on-site work mentoring, which can make all the difference.”

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 get jobs and contribute to their communities.

Skills Link 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 Skills Link program is delivered by Service Canada, which provides one-stop 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.