Fleming College

 MPP Jeff Leal made an announcement about Ontario’s new Youth Jobs Strategy at the Fleming CREW office in Peterborough today. Here is the news release:

The Ontario government’s new Youth Jobs Strategy will help create 30,000 job opportunities for young people across the province.

The strategy creates four new funds to help young people find work, build job skills and start their own business:

1. The Youth Skills Connections Fund – Partnerships with industry, not-for-profits and academic leaders to help youth build career skills and secure industry jobs.

2. The Ontario Youth Innovation Fund – Provides internship opportunities for graduate and post-graduate students, and helps postsecondary students launch start-ups by funding campus-linked business accelerators.

3. The Ontario Youth Entrepreneurship Fund – Increased funding for existing programs such as Summer Company and new programs to support the growth of youth-led companies with training, mentorship, and seed financing.

4. The Youth Employment Fund – Launched in September, this fund helps employers offer four- to six-month job training placements for youth. This fund has already helped more than 1,200 young people.

Ontario has launched a website that includes a quick search tool to match young people in the Peterborough area with programs and funds they are eligible to apply for. The website will also provide information to employers looking to hire skilled youth (http://www.ontario.ca/business-and-economy/youth-jobs-programs).

Helping young people of all abilities and backgrounds succeed in the workforce is part of the Ontario government’s economic plan to invest in people, invest in infrastructure and support a dynamic and innovative business climate.

QUOTES
“Young people in Peterborough Riding are bright, enthusiastic and full of new ideas. I’m proud to be part of a government that is investing in their future, with training and supports that will help them succeed at work and contribute to the community.” – The Honourable Jeff Leal, MPP

“Ontario’s future prosperity depends on giving our young people the right skills, experiences, and supports they need to thrive in the global economy and put their skills to work for Ontario’s economy. Our Youth Jobs Strategy will set 30,000 young Ontarians on the path to a successful career, helping turn them from job seekers into job creators.”
– Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Employment

“Providing work experience to Ontario’s young people is a vital investment in our province’s future. When we help our youth succeed in the 21st century economy, we help build a more fair and prosperous Ontario.” – Brad Duguid, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities

QUICK FACTS
– Youth unemployment in Ontario is 16.4%, twice as high as the overall unemployment rate (7.5%)

– Ontario is investing $295 million over two years in the Youth Jobs Strategy.

– The Youth Jobs Strategy was announced in the 2013 Budget and developed after a series of roundtable discussions with stakeholders.
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CONTACT:
Matt Stoeckle
Jeff Leal’s Office
705-742-3777