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May 11 2002 - "Jobs First" initiative celebrates its first anniversary in Regina today.

"The Jobs First initiative helps people access local job opportunities as a first choice before becoming involved in the welfare system," Social Services Minister Glenn Hagel said. "By using the resources of Canada- Saskatchewan Career and Employment Centres across the province, participants not only find out about local job opportunities, but can also access a full range of services including career counselling, job search and interview skills."

"Regina was one of two pilot projects in Saskatchewan where this unique program was tested," Hagel said. "These two pilot projects helped create a service that will be of tremendous benefit to people who want to connect to the labour market."

Jobs First involves group meetings where participants are made aware of local job opportunities. They can select employment opportunities from these to match their skill level and experience. Facilitators also provide instruction in job search skills and help participants prepare for and attend interviews.

"During the pilot projects in Regina and Yorkton, 30 to 45 per cent of participants in Jobs First went to work instead of welfare," Hagel said. "Based on this success, we are now making Jobs First available to the rest of the province."

Jobs First is the newest component of Saskatchewan's Building Independence strategy. Since its introduction in 1997, Building Independence has helped 6,000 families, including 13,000 children, leave welfare.

"Phase 1 of Building Independence is successful because it removes the barriers to the work force that prevent people from leaving welfare," Hagel said. "The second phase of Building Independence is focusing on renewing the way welfare is delivered and strengthening supports for low income people outside of the welfare system."

Other measures introduced in Phase 2 include:

* A call centre as the first point of access for new applicants. Call centre staff can direct new applicants to other programs that may allow the applicant to remain independent;

* First Step orientation sessions providing general information to new clients about other community resources and programs, as well as information on an individual's rights and responsibilities while receiving social assistance.

* Transition Planning - a new approach to social work for people on social assistance which builds on client strengths and addresses barriers that prevent participation in the labour force.

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3 January 2002 - A report on Saskatchewan's provincial JobStart/Future Skills program indicates that the program helps people find jobs and keep them. More than 23,000 Saskatchewan people have received employment-related skills training through the program, many in small businesses in smaller communities.

The evaluation report indicates that about 88% of participants in the program were employed after completing it. The trainees also found that the program led to increased earnings and self-sufficiency.

"This report confirms that training leads to jobs in Saskatchewan," Post- Secondary Education and Skills Training Minister Pat Lorjé said during a visit to Norampac Inc. "JobStart/Future Skills provides work-based training and employment opportunities to the unemployed. We are meeting the needs of both trainees and employers. The program directly links training to local employment, as we see here in Saskatoon at Norampac and throughout the province."

As one example, Norampac Inc. hired and trained 5 employees in Saskatoon through JobStart/Future Skills. The company manufactures corrugated boxes and has 24 locations throughout Canada. It is the largest recycling operation in Canada.

"The staff we hired through JobStart/Future Skills wanted to learn, are dependable and are now a great asset to the corporation," Norampac's Saskatoon Division Plant Manager David Bouvier said.

In general, employers reported that the program is flexible enough to meet their training needs and almost 90% of employers surveyed said they would use the program again.

The evaluation was prepared by Prairie Research Associates (PRA) for the Department of Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training. They looked at JobStart/Future Skills since it began in 1995. PRA conducted interviews and surveys of 1,000 trainees, 200 employers and 60 staff.