Scarborough, Ontario — Local youth who face barriers to employment will get job preparation training and work experience through the Government of Canada’s support for an employment project. Roxanne James, Member of Parliament for Scarborough Centre, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

“Our government’s top priority is jobs and the economy,” said MP James. “For many young Canadians, making the transition to the job market is a challenge, especially in today’s environment. That’s why our government is creating opportunities for youth to succeed through support for initiatives like the Leading Youth to Valuable Employment (LYVE) project.”

With assistance from the federal Skills Link program, Tropicana Community Services will help 50 youth develop the skills and experience needed to find a job or the confidence to return to school.

Project participants will work with counsellors to develop individual employment action plans. Based on their needs, goals and job readiness, they will be assigned job placements to gain hands-on experience with local businesses such as restaurants, daycares, hair salons and auto mechanic shops.

Skills Link helps youth facing barriers to employment, such as single parents, Aboriginal youth, youth with disabilities, recent immigrants, youth living in rural and remote areas, and youth who have dropped out of high school.

Tropicana Community Services will receive over $266,000 in federal Skills Link funding to support its LYVE project.