The unemployment rate in the region, which includes La Ronge, is 5.6 per cent. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

workforce

Employer in La Ronge can’t fill entry-level positions

Jul 29, 2021 | 4:37 PM

A federal program designed to assist young people, particularly those facing barriers to employment, is failing to recruit enough qualified candidates in La Ronge.

The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) is operated by Kikinahk Friendship Centre and targets young people between the ages of 18 and 29. Employment counselor Lee-Wayne Nippi explained it is a paid mentorship, job readiness program where candidates will gain experience working in various areas of operation within Kikinahk.

Nippi, who still has five out of eight positions open even though he began advertising in June, doesn’t really know why there hasn’t been much interest by tri-community residents.

“I think the government extending Canada Recovery Benefit might have something to do with it, but I’m honestly not too sure,” he said. “I’m just going to keep trying until I get eight youth employed.”

The three employees currently hired are either working at the Scattered Site Outreach Program, reception, or cooking and making snacks for the summer program. Those interested in applying need to have a Class 5 license and they also can’t turn 30 by the time it ends in February 2022.

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The goal of YESS is to ensure young people gain the skills, work experience, and abilities they need to make a successful transition into the labour market.

“I will be working with them to see what their career path is and help them decide if that’s what they want to do and, if it is, I will be getting them certificates to make sure they actually get on the right path when they are done here,” Nippi said.

According to the Government of Saskatchewan, the unemployment rate for Prince Albert and the Northern Saskatchewan economic region in June 2021 was 5.6 per cent, compared to 10.8 per cent in June 2020 (unadjusted data). The unemployment rates were higher both provincially and in the north last year due to the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“As of July 11, we achieved our COVID-19 vaccination targets outlined in the Saskatchewan Re-Opening Roadmap and all public health restrictions were lifted,” an email states. “The Province is collaborating with industry associations (such as Hospitality Saskatchewan, local Chambers of Commerce), businesses, and community-based organizations to ensure they have the talent they need to recover and grow.”

In the 2021-22 provincial budget, the Government of Saskatchewan is investing over $6 million in funding for Skills Training and Adult Basic Education programs at Northland College to support the training needs of northern learners and employers. This funding is in addition to the government-funded training programs delivered through the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies and Dumont Technical Institute in northern communities.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno