Money for YESS projects will help young people ‘hit the ground running’: PM
The federal government will pony up $492 million to help thousands of young people overcome barriers to employment
“An investment in our youth is an investment in Canada’s future,” says Carla Qualtrough, employment minister. “Helping break down barriers to employment and giving young Canadians the supports they need to launch meaningful careers is important to building a strong economy for everyone.”
This funding — announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and channeled through the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) — will go to local and national projects for single parents, young persons who are homeless, visible minority groups and persons living with disabilities, and it aims to help them gain skills to transition to the workforce, says the government.
“We know that when we break down barriers for young people and give them the skills and experience they need to find a good job, our economy grows for everyone,” says Trudeau. “That’s why we’re creating opportunities for all young Canadians, so they can hit the ground running to build fulfilling careers and prepare for the future.”
The news comes as recent job numbers for December showed the rate of unemployment dropped across the country.
The investment will provide flexible and personalized support, employment services and opportunities to further their careers, says the government.
Canadians between 15 and 30 are eligible to receive support, employment services and opportunities provided by organizations that are funded through YESS at more than 270 locations across Canada, says the government.
YESS supports organizations that provide paid job placements and skills development services to young people, as well as a range of other supports, such as job coaching, mental-health support, clothes for job interviews, daycare services for parents and subsidized internet access to help with job searches.
Launched in summer 2019, YESS integrates the streams of the former Youth Employment Strategy Skills Link, Career Focus and Summer Work Experience programs.
