GOVERNMENT EXPANDS JOBSTART/FUTURE SKILLS

More than $2.5 million in extra funding will go into the province's JobStart/Future Skills program to provide an additional 1,375 work-based and institution-based training opportunities. Advanced Education and Employment Minister Pat Atkinson made the announcement today at Standard Machine Ltd. in Saskatoon, a Saskatchewan business that has provided on-the-job training through JobStart/Future Skills.

"JobStart/Future Skills is a strategic program that assists individuals and businesses to be more competitive through skills training and human resource planning," Atkinson said. "The program offers hands-on training that is relevant and responsive to the needs of learners and business while strengthening the province's labour force to meet the needs of our growing economy."

The program provides skills training through partnerships among businesses, industry associations and training institutions. This year, an estimated 5,500 trainees are expected to participate in JobStart/Future Skills opportunities. More than 41,000 Saskatchewan people have received employment-related training since the program began in 1995.

"Increased investment in JobStart/Future Skills is good news for both employers and participants," SIAST senior vice president, academic, Claude Naud said. "The program benefits employers by providing just-in-time training, and it benefits participants by expanding their skills set. For many, it also provides an excellent opportunity to receive SIAST credit."

JobStart/Future Skills provides funding for the following options:

• Work-based Training for the Unemployed so employers can train unemployed individuals for new, full-time positions in the work place;

• Work-based Training for the Employed that allows businesses to retrain current, permanent employees in response to changes in the workplace;

• Saskatchewan Skills Extension Program and Quick Skills Training through SIAST, regional colleges and Dumont Technical Institute that provide individuals with courses that increase their ability to find work; and

• Sector Partnerships Program assists industries identify and respond to current and future labour market needs.

For more information about the program, please visit www.aee.gov.sk.ca/jsfs/.

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For More Information, Contact:

Dianne Shannon Advanced Education and Employment Regina Phone: (306) 787-0926