New Research Projects to Benefit Youth, Women, and Social Enterprise in Western Newfoundland

The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, today announced more than $1.15 million for three research projects through the Newfoundland and Labrador Workforce Innovation Centre.

The research projects will benefit youth, women, and social enterprise in western Newfoundland. The funding being provided includes:

  • $824,493 for YMCA of Western Newfoundland’s “Employment Services YES! Pilot Project” to explore best practices in the delivery of employment programs, services and supports for at-risk youth and young adults aged 15 to 40;
  • $248,535 for Community Education Network Southwestern NL’s “Workforce Innovation through Social Enterprise” research project, which will facilitate evidence-based research and analysis, as well as share resources and practical tools to support the growth of social enterprise throughout the province; and,
  • $74,525 for the Corner Brook Status of Women – “A Community-Minded Social Enterprise: An Inquiry for Viability” will explore the conditions necessary for the success of a social enterprise in the Crestview area of Corner Brook in partnership with the Vine Place Community Centre.

Today’s announcement brings the total number of research projects supported to date by the Newfoundland and Labrador Workforce Innovation Centre to 20. Projects are selected based on established criteria that focus on job creation and economic development, as well as the objectives of the Newfoundland and Labrador Research and Innovation program.

Pictured are, from left: Bernice Hancock, Executive Director, Community Education Network of Southwestern NL; Mike Kearley, General Manager, Vine Place Community Centre (partner with research proponent Corner Brook Status of Women Council); Paula Sheppard-Thibeau, Executive Director, Corner Brook Status of Women Council; Christine Young, CEO, YMCA of Western Newfoundland; and Sharon McLennon, Director, Newfoundland and Labrador Workforce Innovation Centre.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Workforce Innovation Centre is administered by College of the North Atlantic, and has a provincial mandate to provide a co-ordinated, central point of access to engage all labour market stakeholders about challenges, opportunities and best practices in workforce development. The centre’s goal is to promote and support the research, testing and sharing of ideas and models of innovation.

Supported by funding through the Canada – Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement, these initiatives deliver on commitments in The Way Forward to strengthen the province’s economic foundation and deliver better services and better outcomes for residents. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.

Quotes
“These exciting research projects harness the expertise and creativity of our partners throughout western Newfoundland. Workforce development is a priority for our government and we look forward to continuing to support economic growth and diversification through the Newfoundland and Labrador Workforce Innovation Centre in Corner Brook.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour

“College of the North Atlantic is proud to support initiatives that move forward on enhancing and growing this province’s labour market and its pool of available skilled workers. The outcomes of these research projects will facilitate our mandate to provide our learners with an exceptional educational experience, while at the same time, foster a culture of meaningful economic development, and support the growth of applied research, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. This has been deeply rooted in our history, and we will continue to be the backbone of the communities where we exist.”
Bruce Hollett
President, College of the North Atlantic

“All four Newfoundland and Labrador Workforce Innovation Centre core activities – stakeholder engagement, best practices repository, capacity building and research funding — support the objectives of the Newfoundland and Labrador Research and Innovation program. All 20 research projects, including the three announced today, address policy and program issues, as well as research questions. The projects reflect strategic priorities identified by Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, and are practical and explore innovative and better ways of helping Newfoundlanders and Labradorians prepare for, find, return to, or maintain sustainable employment. “
Sharon McLennon
Director, Newfoundland and Labrador Workforce Innovation Centre, College of the North Atlantic

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Media contacts
Ryan Crocker
Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
709-729-1795, 709-725-9595
ryancrocker@gov.nl.ca

Jeffrey Keeping
Newfoundland and Labrador Workforce Innovation Centre
709-637-8646
jeffrey.keeping@nlwic.ca

Michelle Barry
College of the North Atlantic
709-643-7721
michelle.barry@cna.nl.ca