Memo from Service Providers to Employers re: Employer Supports

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Dear [XX],

As you may be aware, the Ontario government renewed the Youth Jobs Strategy in 2015 and reaffirmed its commitment in 2016. This includes support for two new youth employment initiatives delivered through Employment Ontario: Youth Job Connection and Youth Job Link.

The government also committed to moving forward with an evidence-based approach to modernizing and transforming employment and training programs and services to make them better coordinated, more targeted and more effective for all Ontarians, especially youth.

As part of these commitments, the government is introducing a new, more comprehensive and targeted suite of employment programs and services to better help all youth improve their skills and find work, while also ensuring resources are used in the most cost-effective way and targeted toward those who need them most.

This new mix of programs includes Youth Job Connection, Youth Job Link and the existing Employment Service. Together, they represent a better coordinated, higher quality and more targeted suite of services to help youth across a broader spectrum of needs determine their career direction and obtain meaningful employment.

These programs all offer supports for employers to ensure they get the help they need to hire and train young people and grow their businesses.

Youth Job Connection

Youth Job Connection, which launched in October 2015, is designed to help youth facing barriers to employment build better futures. It offers paid pre-employment training, job opportunities and mentorship to youth aged 15 to 29 who are not working, in school, or in training.

A summer component, which launched in April 2016, provides summer, part-time and after-school job opportunities to high school students aged 15 to 18 who are facing challenging life circumstances and may need support transitioning between school and work.

Both components offer financial incentives to encourage employers to provide placements and to offset their expenses during the placement.

Youth Job Connection is available at more than 130 Employment Ontario locations across the province.

Youth Job Link

Youth Job Link, which launched in April 2016, is designed to help youth, including students, aged 15 to 29, who do not face significant barriers to employment, but who could benefit from some extra help to plan their careers and transition to the labour market. The program includes youth-focused career exploration and career management services, as well as job search, readiness and matching assistance.

In some cases, individual supports and employer incentives are also available to offset the costs of on-the-job-training, new employee orientation and other hiring-related costs, for those youth that need more assistance finding work.

All Employment Service providers, at over 320 locations across the province, are delivering this new program.

Employment Service

The Employment Service provides employment services and supports to a wide range of individuals, including youth who may be facing some barriers to employment and may benefit from assisted supports.

The program also offers financial incentives for employers to provide on-the-job training for participants in job placements, including youth.

The Employment Service is available at over 320 locations across the province.

Other Employment Ontario Supports for Employers

In addition to the supports available for employers looking to hire youth, Employment Ontario also offers employer supports through the following programs:

  • Canada-Ontario Job Grant
  • Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit
  • Employer Apprentice Completion Bonus

More information on these supports is attached for your information.

I hope you find this information helpful. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would like to know more about any of these programs. You can also find more detailed program information, including the locations of Employment Ontario service providers, by visiting the Employment Ontario website or calling the Employment Ontario Contact Centre at 1-800-387-5656.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing partnership and support to ensure youth can achieve success in their careers.

Sincerely,

[XX]

Enclosure