Guelph MP Lloyd Longfield recently announced a new project that will give youth in Guelph job skills training and hands-on work experience.
Up to 105 youth will participate in the project, which will be delivered by 2nd Chance Employment. Through the Ways2Work program, 2nd Chance will work with each youth to develop a goal for an employment placement.
The goal will focus on finding a placement that builds upon their interest and skills, but also gives them an opportunity to work through their barriers on the job with the support of the job developer.
“Over the past 10 years, 2nd Chance’s, ways2work program has supported close to 500 youth in our community to realize their potential and achieve their employment and education goals,” said Chris Baginski-Hansen, executive director, 2nd Chance Employment Counselling.
“We were honoured to be part of their journey and look forward to the next 10.”
They will develop skills to help them find and keep jobs, such as job search techniques, interview preparation and business communications. They will have the opportunity to participate in courses such as first aid/CPR and employee safety.
Participants will also gain work experience in such fields as hospitality, retail and trades.
““Developing Canada’s youth is a priority,” Longfield said. “2nd Chance’s project is a concrete example of what we can achieve for youth by working in partnership with organizations across the country.
“Projects like this one can help put regular paycheques into the reach of those who need it. But more than that, they give young Canadians the chance to change their future.”
The Government of Canada will provide $965,663 over two years for this project through the Skills Link program of the Government’s Youth Employment Strategy. Skills Link supports projects that help young people who face more barriers to employment than others develop basic employability skills and gain valuable job experience, which, in turn, assists them in making a successful transition into the workforce or to return to school.
These youth could include those who have not completed high school, single parents, Indigenous youth, young persons with disabilities, youth living in rural or remote areas or newcomers.
