David Tilson, Member of Parliament for Dufferin-Caledon, presented $192,172 in federal funding to the Step Up program at the Orangeville Campus on June 28.

Tilson demonstrated his ongoing support and congratulations to a program that continues to assist and support youth facing employment barriers, develop life and job skills to ease transition to work, or return to school.

The Step Up program has assisted 109 youth within Dufferin County since July 2008. It has continually met targets set out by the Skills Link project of supporting at-risk youth under the age of 30 by facilitating key workshops to assist them in succeeding in today’s labour market.

“The Step Up Program provides an opportunity for youth to explore their career choices, learn workplace skills and connect with local employers,” said Barbara Moore, Step Up program facilitator for the College’s Centre for Career and Employment Services.

“After participating in this type of program, youth are more confident in their skills and have greater success in finding and keeping a job, which has long-term effects on youth, their families and the community. Georgian is excited to be able to continue to offer this program in 2010-2011 to youth in Dufferin County”

“The Step Up program is a valuable tool in our community and I’ve seen the positive results first hand. Because of the Step Up program, I’m a more assertive and confident person, ready to start a more successful phase of my life. I hope that many others like me will continue to benefit from the Step Up Program,” said participant Megan Gravel.

Skills Link is delivered by Service Canada, part of a federal strategy to create the world’s best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce.

Employment programs at Georgian College’s Centre for Career and Employment Services are delivered by a multidisciplinary team of professionals who provide assistance in resume, cover letter creation, job search techniques and more.

For more information about the federal Step Up program, visit http://www.georgianc.on.ca/dufferinjobs/.

PHOTO: Back row, from left: Connie Baxter, program support; David Forbes, Regional Campus Manager and Community Relations; MP David Tilson, MP for Dufferin-Caledon; and Barbara Moore, Program Facilitator Support; Front row: participants Sarah Ellies, Carly Smith, Megan Grave and Kevin O’Rourke.