CALGARY - The Hon. Kent Hehr, minister of Veterans Affairs, is coming to Bow Valley College on July 20, 2016, to announce funding for two new programs aimed at connecting young Canadians to better job opportunities and pathways to good careers. 

"The skills these young people will learn will help get them ready for their future careers, save for their education, and help strengthen the middle class, all at the same time. This investment is part of our government's commitment to help the middle class and those trying to join it," said Hehr.

Through Connections to the Workplace, recent post-secondary graduates will be matched to an employer in a suitable industry to facilitate a twelve-week work placement. The aim is to have participants successfully transition into full-time work, or they may choose to return to learning with a greater awareness of their workplace skills and potential. Participants are supported during their work placement to promote their success, and ensure that they earn a fair wage.

The Skills Connection program targets support for youth that have experienced a barrier to taking part in the labour force. Participants are provided with six weeks of employability skills and employment preparation, including career exploration and essential skills training. Again, participants are matched to employers where there is a possibility of full-time employment at the end of the work placement. Participants are also supported through the work placement to ensure their persistence and success.

"Bow Valley College is proud to offer these new programs aimed at helping young Canadians find better job opportunities. We look forward to helping Connections to the Workplace and Skills Connection program participants enhance their skills and potential, and set them on their path to career success," noted Sharon Carry, Bow Valley College President and CEO. Both programs will be offered through Bow Valley College and industry partners.

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Editor's note

There will be an opportunity for questions after the announcement, see timeline below. Minister Hehr, is making the announcement on behalf of the Government of Canada, and his colleague, the Honorable Mary Ann Mihychuk, minister of employment, workforce development and labour.

Event timeline

9:15 a.m. Media conference begins
9:35 a.m. Question period starts.
9:42 a.m. Conference ends.
9:42 a.m. College tour begins.   

Bow Valley College - Calgary and region's only Comprehensive Community College - with more than 15,000 full- and part-time students, is a leader in business and health career training, community studies, adult upgrading, and English Language Learning. BVC's Test of Workplace Essential Skills (TOWES), workplace training for immigrant professionals and employment services provide a wide range of services for businesses and professionals.