THUNDER BAY – Business – Does your company need an infusion of enthusiasm? Young workers can, with their fresh eyes and new ideas help build your business. “I’m pleased we are going to be able to offer job opportunities to so many deserving young people. When we provide youth of all abilities and backgrounds with the experience and skills they need to succeed, we build a brighter future for young people and a stronger Ontario economy,” comments Brad Duguid, Ontario’s Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities.
Young people can now apply to Ontario’s new Youth Employment Fund to find jobs and gain valuable work experience.
Businesses and eligible youth aged 15 to 29 can apply to the fund by making an appointment with a local Employment Ontario service provider. The fund helps employers offer four- to six-month job and training placements for young people looking for employment.
The Ontario Government will provide up to $7,800 to cover a range of supports and services for each eligible young worker under the fund. That includes up to $6,800 to help cover wage and training costs, and up to $1,000 to help young workers pay for job-related costs like tools and transportation to work. The fund is part of the new Ontario Youth Jobs Strategy, which will help more young people find jobs or start their own businesses, and ensure that employers can find the skilled workers they need to grow their businesses.
Helping young people find jobs is part of the Ontario government’s economic plan to invest in people and ensure the province has a strong, innovative business climate that will create jobs and help people in their everyday lives.
QUICK FACTS
- Ontario is investing $295 million over two years in the Youth Jobs Strategy.
- Last year, 35 per cent of Employment Ontario clients were youth. Sixty-seven per cent of those clients found employment and a further 14 per cent went on to further training or education.