The Manitoba government is investing $1.1 million in its First Jobs Fund, supporting six projects designed to give young Manitobans valuable work experience and skills development. Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses made the announcement today, emphasizing the importance of providing opportunities for youth to build successful careers within their communities.
“Young Manitobans deserve the opportunity to get the knowledge, skills and experience they need to secure good jobs in their home communities where they can play a role in shaping a bright future for their friends and family,” said Moses. “The First Jobs Fund drives opportunity by helping young people overcome barriers, gain meaningful workplace experience and contribute to a stronger, more inclusive economy.”
The First Jobs Fund supports non-profit and non-government organizations with programs for youth aged 15 to 29 who face barriers to employment, providing up to $225,000 per organization. This year’s funding will support a diverse range of initiatives:
- Urban Transition Centre: $225,000 for a 17-week pre-apprenticeship program in heat and frost insulating for up to 16 Indigenous youth.
- Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM): $94,857 to help four newcomer youth gain jobs and develop work experience through its Youth Employment Program.
- Manitoba Aviation Council: Two grants totaling $400,881. $176,173 will support the Intro to Northern Aviation Operations Program for 26 northern youth, while $224,708 will fund the Aviation Pilot Career Pathway Program, offering 13 youth a comprehensive experience including flight training, with eight participants aiming to earn private pilot licenses.
- Tech Manitoba: $108,771 to support eight Indigenous and newcomer students at University College of the North enrolled in an IT support technician program and female Indigenous students in the Information Technology Readiness North program.
- Dexterra Community Initiatives: $222,092 for the Outland Youth Employment program, providing education, training, and work opportunities to 29 Indigenous youth through a six-week land-based summer program.
Geri Clincke of the Manitoba Aviation Council expressed enthusiasm for the funding, stating, “Since 1995, the Manitoba Aviation Council has represented every sector of the aviation industry in Manitoba. This investment…is an exciting recognition of the important role…in advancing the quality of aviation services in our province. It provides young Manitobans a pathway of entry into an industry traditionally seen as out of reach for the average person.”
The fund prioritizes projects that offer innovative programming for youth facing employment barriers, paid work experience, and skills development in key economic sectors and in-demand jobs, according to Minister Moses.
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