Feds to spend to $2M on local youth employment programs

Two employment programs are receiving federal funding, and will be able to help employ up to 155 area youth.

Terry Sheehan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and the Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, on behalf of Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, made a virtual announcement today on two projects being funded to help local youth with their future careers as the economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Sault Community Information and Career Centre’s program, called the Transition to Independence Program, is a youth employment model that began in August 2020 and will continue to run until 2023. The program aims to assist 80 youth.

The YMCA’s program, called Bridging Youth to Employment, will run from October 2020 to November 2022 and aims to assist 75 youth. 

Sheehan said that he is “extremely pleased” to announce that both of these projects collectively received $2 million through the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy program (YESS). 

“Both of these projects are offering youth employment skills training and opportunities to gain quality work experience that aligns with their chosen career path,” Sheehan said to the virtual audience. “Nothing beats hands-on experience, in my opinion. These two projects are just fabulous.”

"We’re grateful to the federal government for their generous support, and more importantly, for being a reliable partner to our organization. This funding allows us to positively impact the lives of young people in our community, including those facing barriers, by helping them navigate employment pathways and find success. The past year has been exceptionally challenging, but together, we continue to strive to build an inclusive and resilient workforce,” said Karol Rains, executive director, Sault Community Career Centre. 

“Removing barriers and creating opportunities for our youth will always remain a top priority for me. Today’s announcement for employment skills training and quality work placements is critical in creating opportunities for 155 area youth,” Sheehan said.