Government of Yukon

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FOR RELEASE     #07-266
December 13, 2007

Government Supports Labour Force Development Project Targeted at Older Workers

WHITEHORSE – Minister of Education Patrick Rouble noted that today marks the graduation of the first students participating in the Yukon Government funded Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW) program.

The TIOW program is a new labour force development project targeted at workers aged 55-65 that is jointly funded by the Yukon and federal governments and delivered by Yukon College.

"The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers program is another way the Department of Education supports labour market needs in our communities," Rouble said.

By providing training and work placement opportunities for older workers, the Yukon Government is working to develop further capacity in the local work force.

"In Yukon, 22 per cent of our population is between the ages of 50-64—that’s a significant amount," Rouble added. "People in this age group have a meaningful and valuable contribution to make to the labour force based on their years of experience."

The TIOW program began in May 2007 and will run for two years in Whitehorse. The program will also be offered at all 11 Yukon College community campuses in 2008. The TIOW program helps students explore the world of work, foster a sense of economic and social purpose, develop a personal action plan and develop the basic skills they require to secure meaningful employment.

"We engaged in group and individual discussions regarding a variety of topics including various aspects of conflict resolution, personal and general barriers to employment, identification of personality types and essential skills needed to gain worthwhile employment," a participant in the TIOW program, Steve Gedrose, said. "I enjoyed interacting with the staff and the TIOW participants and look forward to maintaining contact with them."

Of the 15 students registered for the program, 12 are graduating. Three have deferred until the next intake. Students have made meaningful contacts with employers and 4 students have already secured gainful employment.

"Yukon College is pleased to be able to facilitate the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers," Yukon College President Terry Weninger said. "Yukon College has the facilities and Yukon-wide presence to help deliver this course effectively."

For more information on the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers, contact Yukon College at 668-8800.

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Contact:  

Roxanne Vallevand
Cabinet Communications
(867) 633-7949
roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca

Clea Roberts
Communications, Education
(867) 393-7102
clea.roberts@gov.yk.ca