Career Edge Organization Celebrates 10,000 Successful Careers on Labour Day

Diversely talented professionals' careers launched and fast-tracked
through paid internship programs with more than 1,000 leading Canadian employers

TORONTO, Sept. 2 /CNW/ - It will be a Labour Day to remember this year for Career Edge Organization as it celebrates the milestone of 10,000 careers launched in Canada.

The Toronto-based national not-for-profit organization has over the past 14 years successfully launched the careers of 10,000 Canadian knowledge workers representing diverse backgrounds and interests who all began their careers via paid internships offered through Career Edge Organization with more than 1,000 leading Canadian employers.

"Skills shortage and attracting the right talent for their organizations are perennial challenges for Canadian employers, even in a challenging economy," said Anne Lamont, President and CEO of Career Edge Organization. "Our internship programs have proven to be an effective way for employers to find the right talent with the right skills to fit each unique environment and we're proud to be a trusted partner of leading Canadian employers in the private, public and non-profit sectors."

Career Edge Organization's internship programs attract candidates who are passionate about what they want to do and who recognize that a paid internship opportunity can give them the meaningful work experience needed to launch their careers. This passion and determination, coupled with experience gained through Career Edge Organization internships, have accelerated the careers of many talented professionals across Canada.

Sameen Awan is an example of this success.  He began his career in May 2009 as a Marketing Intern in the telecommunications industry after graduating with a Bachelor's of Science from University of Toronto in 2008.  Since he began his internship just over one year ago, Sameen has quickly advanced to the role of Senior Analyst and credits Career Edge with jump-starting his career. 

"My internship enabled me to quickly establish a professional network and broaden my horizon," said Mr. Awan. "When my former manager joined the competition, he approached me to join his team. Thanks to the internship experience, I gained much needed on-the-job training and made industry contacts that helped me start my chosen career. "

The now 10,000+ alumni of Career Edge Organization's three internship programs - Career Edge, Ability Edge and Career Bridge - today represent an extensive professional network in its own right. Many of these former interns are now decision makers within their organizations and are now also helping their employers identify and attract coveted talent.

The candidates registered in Career Edge Organizations internship programs reflect the diversity of knowledge workers in Canada and the organizing committee of the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games is quick to recognize what Career Edge Organization can offer.

"Toronto's diversity is one of the Games' greatest assets," said Elaine Roper, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games. "Career Edge Organization has helped us identify candidates with a unique combination of skills and experience who share our passion for not only sports but the inclusive spirit of the Games."

Career Edge Organization boasts an active registrant pool of over 16,000 candidates seeking internship opportunities with leading employers in the financial, health care, technology and communication, government and not-for-profit sectors.

"By looking beyond mainstream candidates and tapping into under-utilized sources of talent, employers uncover unique individuals who are passionate about their careers and have exceptional loyalty," said Anne Lamont. "We offer not only talent, but talent that companies want to keep."

About Career Edge Organization

Career Edge Organization, a national not-for-profit, has connected private, public and non-profit businesses with diverse, quality talent since 1996 through three innovative paid internship programs: Career Edge for recent graduates from Canadian colleges and universities, Ability Edge for graduates with disabilities and Career Bridge for internationally qualified professionals.  Career Edge Organization provides strategic, cost effective and flexible staffing solutions, including on-line access to candidates, payroll administration and HR recruitment expertise, including best practice sharing regarding recruitment, retention and integration of recent graduates, graduates with disabilities and internationally qualified professionals.

For further information:

Janice Rudkowski

Director, Marketing & Communications
Career Edge Organization
Tel: [phone] ext. 251
Toll free: 1-888-507-3343
Email: [email protected]