Helping At-Risk Youth Find Jobs

Across Ontario, more than 300,000 jobs (17,000 in London) continue to go unfilled every day, including many in the skilled trades, costing the province billions in lost productivity.

Our government is on a mission to help people fill these jobs and find meaningful work close to home, so they can earn bigger paycheques and lead purpose-driven lives.

That is why we are investing $2.5 million through our Skills Development Fund to support four innovative training projects to help 2,700 people who face barriers to employment get the training they need to land good jobs in London and southwestern Ontario.

Led by Over 55 London, Youth Opportunities Unlimited, Pathways Employment Help Centre and WePrep/LiUNA Local 1059, the programs announced today will prioritize those traditionally shut out of the job market such as at-risk youth and those over the age of 55.

They will prepare jobseekers for well-paying careers in construction, manufacturing, property maintenance, hospitality, retail, and other in-demand industries.

Participants will also have access to free equipment like work boots and tools, and support with living expenses, childcare, transportation, and mental health resources, to ensure a smooth transition to the job market.

Through its first three funding rounds, our Skills Development Fund has supported 596 projects and helped half a million people around the province take the next step in their careers.

Learn more: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1003245/ontario-providing-free-job-training-for-at-risk-workers-in-london