Competitiveness, Training and Trade Minister Andrew Swan today announced new funding of $150,000 provided in Budget 2008 for employment services for older workers.

 

“We recognize the valuable skills and experience of older workers as a tremendous asset to the Manitoba economy in terms of meeting the labour market demand,” said Swan. “This funding will be used to expand opportunities for the increasing number of older workers who desire to remain active contributors to the provincial labour market on a part-time or more flexible basis.”

 

An initial project will be established with Opportunities for Employment to offer innovative new programming for older workers seeking employment.

 

Opportunities for Employment is non-profit organization incorporated in 1996 that provides anumber of programs to assist individuals in getting ready to work, learning an occupational skill or finding meaningful employment. It will now also offer a broad range of employment services directed to older individuals.

 

“Older workers play an important role in addressing skills shortages that employers in Manitoba are facing,” said Swan. “The possibility to change careers, reorient transferable skills or expand interests into new directions can add excitement and provide meaningful opportunities to older workers.”

 

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