YOUTH JOBS PROGRAM RETURNS TO THUNDER BAY
McGuinty Government Creating Opportunities For Disadvantaged Youth
NEWS |
June 28, 2010 |
More than 250 local area young people will get a summer job through the return of the Youth Opportunities summer employment programs in Thunder Bay.
The Summer Jobs for Youth and Youth in Policing programs are part of the government’s Youth Opportunities Strategy that provides youth with opportunities to help them develop valuable work skills with local employers and police services.
Locally, YES Employment Services has recruited employers and youth, and both the Nishawbe-Aski Police Service and the Anishnabek Police Service have recruited youth interested in a policing career. Participants are given one week of training, a six- to seven-week paid job placement, and preparation for future employment or education and training.
More than $950,000 is being spent on the two jobs programs in Thunder Bay this year.
QUOTES
“Our government recognizes the employment challenges that young people face, especially during tough economic times. I’m delighted to see these opportunities return to give our young people a chance to gain valuable work experience and skills that will contribute to their future success and build a strong workforce for our future.”
– Michael Gravelle, MPP Thunder Bay-Superior North
“This is one more of a significant number of programs our government has in place to support Youth Employment. Almost $900,000 to YES Employment Services will allow them to create a significant number of job placements for youth.”
– Bill Mauro, MPP Thunder Bay-Atikokan
“This summer, young Ontarians will have an opportunity to acquire critical work and life skills through the Youth Opportunities summer employment program. Through this program, these youth will gain valuable work experience, meet employers and mentors, and build their resumes. For many, this will be more than just a summer job – it will be a first step towards reaching their full potential.”
– Laurel Broten, Minister of Children and Youth Services.
QUICK FACTS
- This year, The Youth Opportunities Strategy is operating in 32 communities across the province.
- More than 4.600 young people will have summer employment through the strategy.
- The total investment for the Youth Opportunities Strategy is approximately $24 million, an increase of $3 million over last year. This includes some financial support from the federal government.
- These summer jobs programs pay the adult minimum wage of $10.50 per hour.
- The Youth Opportunities Strategy is part of Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy to reduce child poverty by 25 per cent over five years.
LEARN MORE
- Find out more about the Youth Opportunities Strategy
- See the list of communities participating in the Youth Opportunities Strategy
- Read about Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy
