Central Okanagan

Photo: Contributed - www.ymcaokanagan.ca

The federal government is investing more than $300,000 to assist Okanagan youth in gaining skills, knowledge and experience to succeed in the job market.

The announcement was made Wednesday by Okanagan-Lake Country MP, Ron Cannan and Okanagan-Coquihalla MP Dan Albas.

The YMCA of Okanagan will receive the funding ($327,000) from the Skills Link program to help youth overcome barriers to employment.

"Our government's top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity," says Cannan.

"The Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy is helping youth develop the skills and gain the experience they need to get jobs now and ;prepare for the workforce of tomorrow."

Albas added the project builds on the success of YMCA of Okanagan's past activities which help youth acquire life and job skills.

"Today's youth are tomorrow's workforce so, by investing in them, we are helping contribute to Canada's long-term growth," says Albas.

Participants in the program will gain job skills through activities focusing on topics such as information management, job search strategies, teamwork and problem solving.

"This project is designed to provide fundamental and long-lasting life and employment skills for at-risk youth in the Okanagan that enables them to be productive members of society," says YMCA of Okanagan CEO, Sharon Peterson.