New Government of Ontario investment to provide students with job training and workplace supports

TORONTO, March 20, 2014 /CNW/ - The Government of Ontario is investing $750,000 in George Brown College through the Youth Skills Connections Program. Premier Kathleen Wynne made the announcement at the Talent and Skills in the New Economy summit on March 18, 2014. 

The new funding will enable George Brown to partner with business and labour to deliver a specialized program that will prepare young people for jobs in the food, metal manufacturing and information communications technology sectors. The program will focus on two industry sectors where projections of an increasing skills gap have been identified: Commercial Baking and Metal Working. The funding is part of Ontario's new $25 million Youth Skills Connections fund and is leveraging the College's applied research funding.

"We are grateful for this investment by the Ontario government. The skills mismatch is a barrier that is especially challenging for youth in high needs communities in Ontario, said Laura Jo Gunter, Senior Vice President, Academic, George Brown College. "Those who have been traditionally absent from the labour market will receive the employment skills and supports they need to succeed."  

The program will leverage community and employer partnerships to provide training for individuals including young women, persons with disabilities, Aboriginals, newcomers and visible minorities. Participants will be provided with multiple educational and workplace supports including career coaching, mentoring, employability training and on-the-job placement and applied research opportunities. Employer-led stakeholder tables will ensure that industry experts drive curriculum development and that training outcomes are matched to labour market demand. The project will provide job placement opportunities for up to 10 program participants on applied research projects.

"The Government of Ontario's innovative approach to economic development and job creation is putting people and partnerships first. This funding enables us to work together—across the education, government, business, labour, and not-for-profit sectors—to tackle youth unemployment and create a workforce with the right skills and knowledge for the global economy." said Gunter.

George Brown College has established a reputation for equipping students with the skills, industry experience and credentials to pursue the careers of their choice. The college offers programs from its three campuses located across the downtown core, including its newest location at the Toronto waterfront, which opened in September 2012. George Brown offers 135 full-time programs and 189 continuing education certificates/designations across a wide variety of professions to a student body of over 24,800 (full-time equivalent) students, including over 3,200 international students; and over 61,000 continuing education registrants. Students can earn certificates, diplomas, postgraduate certificates, apprenticeships and degrees.

SOURCE: George Brown College

Joyann Callender, Manager Media Relations, George Brown College?, 416-415-5000 ext. 3159 or? 647-988-0306, [email protected]