New initiative will combat youth unemployment

Today, a new initiative called Escalator has been launched to help young jobseekers in Ontario find work.

The province’s government and private sector both agree youth unemployment is too high, which is why the government has partnered with CivicAction to make a difference.

As part of the project, CivicAction’s adopted four strategies for fighting youth unemployment:

use new platforms to connect youth with jobs;
help small businesses post job openings online;
help pool private sector money for job training; and
create mentoring opportunities.

Tracy MacCharles, Ontario’s minister of children and youth services, says continued financial support will be offered as a part of Ontario’s Youth Action Plan. She adds, “Youth unemployment requires a co-operative approach between the private sector, communities and government.”

CivicAction is also working with LinkedIn Canada and NPower Canada, an organization that offers tech-sector training to at-risk youth.

The group is working with LinkedIn Canada to make it easier for young people to use the platform to present themselves professionally. Also, employers at small businesses will receive help to post their entry-level jobs and internships.

Read: Make sure you stand out online

Quick Facts

Through the Youth Jobs Strategy, Ontario is investing $295 million to create 30,000 new jobs for youth, addition to ongoing investments.
Ontario is investing an additional $375,000 to support CivicAction’s launch of three pilot projects.
CivicAction consulted with more than 800 employers, youth, community agencies and governments to understand the problem and the barriers facing these youth.
According to Statistics Canada, the total unemployment rate in Toronto is over 20% for youth aged 15-24, but almost 30% for black youth and Aboriginal youth.

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