Ontario Launches New Youth Employment Program

Province Connects At-Risk Youth with Jobs

Sept 2, 2015 – Toronto, ON

Ontario is launching the Youth Job Connection program to provide intensive support and training to young people with multiple barriers to employment.

The province will invest more than $160 million over two years to help over 27,000 young people get the skills and training they need to build a better future.

Starting in October, the first part of the program will provide paid pre-employment training, job opportunities and mentorship to youth aged 15 to 29 who are currently not working, not in school, or not enrolled in a training program. This part of the program will focus on youth who face complex and multiple barriers to employment including poverty, homelessness, disability and mental health.

The second part of the program will provide summer, part-time and after-school job opportunities to high school students between ages 15 and 18 who are facing challenging life circumstances and who may need support transitioning between school and work.  After-school opportunities will be available this October, with summer opportunities available in spring 2016.

Helping youth who experience complex barriers to employment find and keep jobs is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario up by making the largest investment in public infrastructure in the province’s history, investing in people’s talents and skills, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.

“Our government is dedicated to helping young people of all abilities and backgrounds succeed in the labour market. That’s why our Youth Job Connection will offer intensive, specialized support to youth who face the greatest challenges finding a place in Ontario’s workforce. Through this, and our renewed Youth Jobs Strategy, we are making sure Ontario’s economy can benefit from the skills and talent of all our young people.” Reza Moridi, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities

 

See webcast below: