Government of Canada Encourages Careers in Skilled Trades and Technology

TORONTO, ONTARIO, Nov 02 (MARKET WIRE) --
-The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills
Development, kicked off Skilled Trades and Technology Week at Humber
College today.

"Our government remains committed to helping youth develop the skills and
experience that they need to prepare for and succeed in tomorrow's job
market," said Minister Finley. "We are proud to support
Skills/Competences Canada in raising awareness of careers in the skilled
trades and technology sectors."

"Skilled Trades and Technology Week in Canada is another initiative of
Skills/Competences Canada to provide our educational, business and
post-secondary partners with a focal point to demonstrate to Canadian
youth that a skill-based trade or technology occupation is a terrific way
to earn a living, realize their full potential and contribute to their
community and the national economy," said Mr. Terry Cooke, President of
Skills/Competences Canada. "As the economy recovers, the construction
sector has traditionally been the first to respond, and young people
should seriously look at training opportunities in this area."

Employers across Canada are looking for the best talent in the trades.
The federal government is investing in skills training to create the most
skilled and best educated workforce in the world.

Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government is investing up to
$40 million per year in the new Apprenticeship Completion Grant. It is a
$2,000 grant to those who successfully complete their apprenticeship
training and become certified journeypersons in a designated Red Seal
trade. This grant builds on and enhances the current Apprenticeship
Incentive Grant.

Under the existing Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, apprentices are
already eligible for a $1,000 grant when they complete the first and/or
second level of their apprenticeship program in a designated Red Seal
trade, to a maximum of $2,000.

In addition, the Government recently implemented significant improvements
to student financial assistance measures to help students gain access to
post-secondary education and better manage their debt. To learn more
about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

BACKGROUNDER

The Government of Canada is a major funding partner of Skills/Competences
Canada, a non-profit organization that works with employers, educators,
labour groups and governments to promote skilled trades and technology
careers among Canadian youth year-round.

Through Skilled Trades and Technology Week, taking place November 2 to 8,
2009, Skills/Competences Canada will be promoting and hosting events
across Canada to help raise awareness of skilled trades and technology
careers among youth, parents and the general public. This is an
opportunity for organizations across Canada to get involved in a
"hands-on" way to proomote these careers to youth.

Contacts:
Office of Minister Finley
Michelle Bakos
Press Secretary
819-994-2482

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
Media Relations Office
819-994-5559

Copyright 2009, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

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