December 18, 2014
Provincial Program Helping Employment and Income Assistance Recipient Overcome Barriers to Employment, Find Good Jobs
– – –Two Hundred Individuals Participating in Work Experience Pilot Projects in Winnipeg, Northern Manitoba: Minister Chief
A total of 200 employment and income assistance recipients are participating in the Manitoba Works! Co-operative Work Experience pilot program, where they are receiving training and other supports that will help them find good jobs and continue to grow the province’s skilled workforce, Jobs and the Economy Minister Kevin Chief announced today.
“Together we are helping Manitobans get the training they need to get their critical first job and then the support they need to continue to succeed at it,” said Minister Chief. “That means they can build a bright future for their families and play an important role in our growing economy.”
Minister Chief noted the pilot program is underway at four sites: Opportunities for Employment, the Momentum Centre and Reaching E-Quality Employment Services, all in Winnipeg, and FireSpirit in The Pas. Up to 272 participants are expected to benefit from this pilot, representing a total investment of nearly $4.5 million over three years, with funding for some of these projects coming from the Government of Canada.
The program is customized to address the specific needs of each participant and includes a combination of skills assessments, pre-employment training, essential skills training and a paid work experience. The program also provides ongoing job-retention supports for both participants and employers including counselling for crisis management, issue resolution and mentorship.
Post-training support is available for a maximum of 16 weeks once the individual secures sustainable employment. To date, 88 per cent of program graduates have retained employment and are moving towards financial independence.
“Our government’s top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity,” said Lawrence Toet, member of parliament for Elmwood–Transcona. “Our Youth Employment Strategy is helping youth develop the skills and gain the experience they need to get jobs now and prepare for the workforce of tomorrow. These projects, funded in partnership with the Government of Manitoba, will help connect local youth with available jobs.”
The pilot project began in September 2013 and runs through January 2016. Of the 200 participants currently enrolled, 127 have completed pre-employment and essential skills training and 102 have progressed to a work placement.
Manitoba Works! is part of the provincial skills strategy, building toward government’s goal of increasing Manitoba’s labour force by 75,000 workers by 2020.
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