Government focuses on enhancing online tools, resources
Employment centres for students that open every spring in Canada have been cancelled by the federal human resources department, according to the Globe and Mail. The elimination of the centres will save Ottawa about $6.5-million per year.
Attendance at the Service Canada Centres for Youth has decreased in recent years as more young people go online to find employment, according to the government.
As a result, the government is enhancing its main website for youth, www.youth.gc.ca, to provide them with a more interactive experience. Information and resources will include tips on writing resumés and cover letters and be available year-round, 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
“Canadian youth have asked for easier and better online access to information and services and our government is responding to those needs,” said Diane Finley, minister of human resources and skills development.
In addition, part of the government’s Working in Canada website has been incorporated into Youth.gc.ca. It provides youth with direct access to current information about jobs, including detailed labour market reports customized by occupation and location. Other employment information from Working in Canada — such as job descriptions, wages, skills and education requirements, current opportunities and future forecasted demand — will also be available at Youth.gc.ca.
Voice: a blog for youth is already available on the site. It aims to answer questions and help youth find the information and tools they need to reach their goals, said the government. As part of this enhanced approach, new features, including the use of social media tools such as Twitter and YouTube, will be integrated into Youth.gc.ca.
In the coming months, additional features will be added to the site and Service Canada will be engaging with key stakeholders in the winter of 2012 to seek out their views on the continued enhancements.
Launch of Canada Summer Jobs 2012
The government has also officially launched Canada Summer Jobs 2012, encouraging employers to apply for funding. Funding will be available for not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers and small businesses to create high-quality summer job opportunities for young people aged 15 to 30 years who are full-time students intending to return to their studies in the next school year.
Employers can apply online at www.servicecanada.gc.ca/csj2012 or print an application from the website. They can also get an application by visiting any Service Canada Centre. Applications must be submitted by Feb. 29, 2012.
