February 22, 2011
Government of Canada helps post-secondary graduates in Alberta gain career-related experience
From left to right, Michele Aasgard, Executive Director, ACCA; Valentyna Oliynyk, Operations Manager, Raising Spaces; Tasha Prefontaine, past program participant; Minister Rona Ambrose; Councillor William Choy, representing the Mayor of Stony Plain, His Worship Ken Lemke; and Mr. Russell Wolf, Board Chair, ACCA.
Post-secondary graduates will get the opportunity to enhance and develop their job skills through the Government of Canada’s support for a youth employment program. The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, Minister for Status of Women and Member of Parliament for Edmonton–Spruce Grove, made the announcement 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 Minister Ambrose. “Our government is proud to support this project that offers local post‑secondary graduates the opportunity to develop the skills and gain the experience that will help them reach their full potential.”
With assistance from the federal Career Focus program, the Alberta Community and Co-operative Association will organize employability workshops and job placements. This project will help 32 post secondary graduates across Alberta area to enhance and develop their employment skills.
“The Association has a wonderful track record of providing youth with their first career-related work experience,” added Minister Ambrose. “Their work has benefited not only youth and employers across Alberta, but right here in Stony Plains, I encourage youth and employers to apply to participate again.”
The workshops will allow the participants to develop skills such as goal setting, time management and leadership. Following the workshops, the participants will apply their new skills and gain managerial or career-related experience during job placements in industries such as marketing, finance and agriculture.
The Alberta Community and Co-operative Association will receive a total of over $415,000 in Career Focus funding for its Career Internship Program.
