GOVERNMENT INVESTS $510,000 TO PROMOTE WORKPLACE ESSENTIAL SKILLS

The Government of Saskatchewan announced today that it has invested $510,000 in funding for the Workplace Essential Skills Saskatchewan Initiative, to enable approximately 250 workers and job-seekers to build the skills they need for long-term employment and advancement.

Workplace essential skills are the skills needed for work, learning and life. Funding is provided to industry and post-secondary training institution partners to prepare job seekers and existing employees to gain these essential skills.

"Our government is committed to sustaining a strong Saskatchewan where workers and job-seekers are able to develop the skills they need to find jobs, maintain employment and grow their careers," MLA Greg Ottenbreit on behalf of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "Workplace essential skills are an important part of our province's post-secondary education and skills training agenda."

Mr. Ottenbreit made today's announcement in Yorkton at Parkland College, which is one of the many partners of the Workplace Essential Skills Saskatchewan Initiative along with the Louis Dreyfus Mitsui (LDM) canola crushing facility, Yorkton Tribal Council, Yorkton Industrial Careers Centre and Advanced Education Employment and Labour. Together, these partners have helped 39 people build their essential skills and gain employment in the canola crushing industry. The total cost of the canola crushing project is $100,830.

Parkland College offers post-secondary education and skills training opportunities to students in east-central Saskatchewan through campuses located in Melville, Yorkton, Fort Qu'Appelle, Esterhazy and Canora and through partnerships with local industries and employers.

To learn more about Parkland College visit www.parklandcollege.sk.ca.

LDM is one of the world's largest merchandisers of grains and oilseeds. To learn more about LDM visit www.louisdreyfus.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Chris Jones-Bonk
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3106