Ontario launches youth jobs program

Reza Moridi
Reza Moridi

Ontario has launched a new youth employment program to help people age15-29 plan their careers, prepare for the labour market and connect to job opportunities.

“Our government has launched better coordinated, more targeted and more effective employment and training programs to ensure that all people, particularly our youth, have access to evidence-based services that will provide them with the support they need to build their skills and get a good job,” said Reza Moridi, minister of training, colleges and universities.

Moridi added that he is excited that Youth Job Link has now launched at more than 320 locations across the province to help youth, including students, who could benefit from extra help to plan their careers and transition to the labour market.

That program combines with the more intensive Youth Job Connection, “which has shown great uptake since launching in October 2015,” he said.

Youth Job Link is the latest phase of Ontario’s Youth Jobs Strategy.

Young people can now access the following services available year-round:

  • Information on career options to support career decision-making;
  • Advice on how to build life skills they need to successfully plan and manage a career;
  • Opportunities to learn about teamwork, customer service, health and safety and labour rules;
  • Assistance to match their skills and interests with employers that have job opportunities.

Deb Matthews, deputy premier, president of Treasury Board and minister responsible for the Poverty Reduction Strategy, said, “As part of our poverty reduction plan, we will continue to clear the way for people to enter the workforce, especially young people as meaningful employment is the most effective and speediest way to exit poverty for good.”