The Government of Yukon is launching modernized labour market funding programs with simplified application processes, expanded eligibility and more flexibility. The new programs provide funding for supports and services that will prepare Yukoners for jobs that are in demand.
Three new broad funding programs are replacing over 20 specific labour market programs:
- Working UP – For individuals who need support to get and keep a good job. Supports can range from essential literacy skills and training to apprenticeship programs.
- Staffing UP – To help employers have the right labour market foundations in their business to support growth, and to help identify and train the qualified workers that their business needs.
- Building UP – To fund organizations that provide labour market services to individuals and employers, and support them to promote research and labour market information to guide how they serve their clients.
The new programs will focus on the specific funding needs of applicants. The assessment process for funding also considers the needs of the community and the labour market.
Strengthening our labour market means more than just creating good jobs. It means helping individuals and providing effective services to those that contribute to thriving Yukon communities, whether they’re jobseekers moving into the workforce or employers trying find and keep valuable workers. The new streamlined process will better meet the training and employment support needs of Yukoners and allow us to shift funding to where it is most needed as the labour market changes.
Minister of Education Tracy-Anne McPhee
First Nations are eligible for funding under these programs. In addition, Yukon First Nations governments are developing government-to-government labour market funding agreements with the Government of Yukon for First Nation-led labour market initiatives.
The new programs were developed in response to extensive consultations with labour market partners and stakeholders.
A key priority for these funding programs is to increase labour-market involvement of under-represented groups, which are:
- Yukon First Nations citizens;
- Youth under age 30;
- Persons with disabilities;
- Workers over age 50;
- Women in trades and technology; and
- Newcomers to Canada.
Most of the funding for these programs comes from the Canada-Yukon Labour Market Development Agreement and the Canada-Yukon Workforce Development Agreement. Signed in 2018, these agreements include terms that empower the Government of Yukon to develop its own programs.
Matthew Cameron
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7136
matthew.cameron@gov.yk.ca
Susie Ross
Communications, Education
867-332-1364
susie.ross@gov.yk.ca