A new Internship Program will bring 38 user support specialists into Island public schools. These interns will enhance their information technology (IT) skill level by providing technical support for software applications and computer hardware used by the teachers and administrative staff in schools across PEI.
"This Internship Program is an excellent example of how partnerships between federal and provincial governments can make a difference in developing the workforce here on Prince Edward Island," said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Solicitor General of Canada, representing Human Resources Development Canada.
"In addition to adding information technology support to our public school system, this new program will help develop a highly skilled workforce in the growing knowledge-based economy," said Jeffrey E. Lantz, Minister of Education.
This program builds on the internship concept where IT graduates gain practical work experience and raises the skill level of IT workers, while at the same time providing a valuable service to employers.
Funding for the program will come from the Canada/Prince Edward Island Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA), a co-managed agreement between Human Resources Development Canada and the PEI Department of Development and Technology. The LMDA provides opportunities for unemployed people, with an emphasis on sectors considered key to the province's economic development. Individuals who apply for these positions must meet Employment Insurance eligibility requirements.
The internship positions will be posted on the HRDC Web site at www.pe.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca and at your local Human Resource Centre.