Speaking at Fanshawe College Friday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced $40 million in funding for internships for post-secondary school graduates.
"Part of our government's job is to make sure there are no hurdles, or catch-22 situations, standing in the way of those who want to go for their big chance," he says.
The funding, part of the federal government's Youth Employment Strategy, will help up to 3,000 graduates obtain full-time paid internships lasting six to 12 months over the next two years.
The internships, in high-demand fields like science, technology engineering, math and skilled trades, are designed to allow graduates to obtain real-life experience.
Harper says “Work experience programs like these are a good thing for young people starting out and employers.”
Small- and medium-sized businesses seeking qualified workers in high-demand fields are also expected to benefit from the program.
Nathan Hobson says it took him six months to find an apprenticeship - like many of his classmates - and he thinks more subsidized placements will encourage those businesses to hire.
"It just gives them the incentive to do some hiring and take people on and still be able to turn a profit for their own business."
The federal Conservatives have been under fire for the country's high youth unemployment rates, particularly when there are programs that allow young foreign workers to land summer jobs in Canada.
The hope is the program will help students just out of school gain the skills and experience to find more long-term, highly-skilled jobs.
Harper also visited General Dynamics Land Systems Canada on Friday, which just three months ago secured the largest advanced manufacturing contract in Canadian history.
That contract will create hundreds of jobs, and an increased demand for highly-skilled workers.
