88 per cent of employment program retain jobs, closer to financial independence: province

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This article was published 17/12/2014 (3414 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Two hundred employment and income assistance recipients are now participating in a provincial government pilot program to find them jobs.

Jobs and the Economy Minister Kevin Chief said in a statement today the Manitoba Works! Co-operative Work Experience pilot program is underway at four locations: Opportunities for Employment, the Momentum Centre and Reaching E-Quality Employment Services in Winnipeg and FireSpirit in The Pas.

He said up to 272 people are expected to find work through in the three-year pilot program, which is being run with $4.5 million in funding from the province and federal government.

The province said the program is geared to address the needs of each participant, including pre-employment training, essential skills training and a paid work experience. It also provides ongoing support for both participants and employers including counselling for crisis management and mentorship.

The province said to date, 88 per cent of program graduates have retained employment and are moving towards financial independence.

The pilot project began in September 2013 and runs through January 2016. Of the 200 participants currently enrolled, 127 have completed pre-employment and essential skills training and 102 have gone to a work placement.