The Newfoundland and Labrador government is spotlighting the first group of participants in its newly launched Working Opportunities Program, which aims to help people overcome barriers to employment through retraining and education. The program was profiled as part of Well-Being Week by Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills.
The initiative provides financial support and access to post-secondary education for individuals facing obstacles such as poverty, lack of formal education, and caregiving responsibilities. The first cohort consists of 44 participants, including single parents looking to improve their job prospects, individuals working to escape poverty, and newcomers seeking skills to better integrate into the workforce.
“The program will help to remove educational barriers for individuals who could not avail of other training programs to obtain the skills and education to secure meaningful long-term employment,” said Stoodley in a statement. She noted the connection between employment and overall well-being, saying the program addresses participants’ physical, mental, social, and economic health.
Working Opportunities is a $3.5 million initiative that supports the province’s Poverty Reduction Plan by funding training programs and providing additional supports like living allowances and child care. Participants can attend post-secondary programs ranging from 12 weeks to three years in duration at public or private institutions in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Applications for the next group of participants are still being accepted at employment centres throughout the province.
Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, also praised the program’s potential impact. “This program removes barriers to training and education needed to secure meaningful long-term employment. This meets the goals of our Poverty Reduction Plan by empowering people to meet their employment goals and improve their income,” he said.
The initiative is designed to improve access to education and training for those who may otherwise be left out of similar programs, providing a pathway to stable employment and improved financial security.
For more information, see https://www.gov.nl.ca/ipgs/training-2-2/working-opportunities/