Chris Puglia
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 25/02) - The federal government has identified a lack of skilled trades workers and is trying fill that gap.

While a problem across Canada, it is particularly noticeable in the NWT, where a number of upcoming pipeline and mining projects, as well as ongoing construction, means more skilled workers are needed.

A youth employment strategy through Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC), being offered for the first time in Yellowknife, is hoping to fill some of those gaps by training Northern workers in the trades.

The Young Workers program is offered through AFS Interculture Canada and funded primarily through HRDC.

Trevor Walsh, human resources consultant with Genesis and manager of the Northern Career Resource Centre, is heading up the program.

"The program is for youth 18 to 25 who are unemployed or underemployed, someone who is at a crossroad in their life and not sure what they want to do," said Walsh.

"In the NWT, there is a shortage of skilled trades workers, this program will help build capacity."

There are 12 spots available. The training is being co-ordinated through the Genesis Group, located on the second floor of the Panda II Centre. The positions will be filled in November.

Not only does the program provide skills training, Walsh said, it also provides the participant with transferable skills that will assist with future employment. Skills like a second language, interpersonal communication and adaptability from living in a new culture.

The 12 people selected for the program will spend six months in either Belgium, Honduras, Costa Rica or Panama.

During that time they are paid minimum wage based on a 30-hour work week and all living expenses are covered.

Following their overseas training period, they will return to Canada for a guaranteed placement of six months worth of paid employment with a participating employer.

Ideally, Walsh said, that employment will continue after the six months.

There are a number of conditions that participants must meet to be eligible for the program. One stipulation is a candidate cannot be currently enrolled in a HRDC youth work strategy.