Over the years, youth out-migration has contributed to the decline in population from Northern Ontario which, according to the Northwest Training & Adjustment Board’s 2008 TOP Report, was roughly 10 percent within the years 2001-05.
This factor has a significant impact on a community’s ability to respond to existing workforce needs and develop long-term economic sustainability.
For high school students, choosing their post-secondary destination is a critical decision. Without proper guidance or work experience, this choice can be a very daunting one.
By participating in various kinds of work experiences, students are more prepared—and more confident—to make the transition from high school to work, apprenticeship, college, or university.
With employers becoming more involved in school-work initiatives, they are helping students discover potential careers in their hometowns and develop valuable community ties.
The benefit to employers opening their doors to students is identifying a potential employee or summer student, developing a positive community image, and the having the satisfaction of knowing they are investing in Northwestern Ontario’s future.
By creating jobs and opportunities for youth, we are keeping our best and our brightest here.
The future of Northwestern Ontario will be strengthened by more support and encouragement given to young people in pursuing their education, training, and careers in our region.
“Passport to Prosperity” (P2P), a province-wide program funded by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, is designed to increase employer awareness and participation in work opportunity experiences for high school students.
The campaign is an employer-led recruitment effort to help students explore career options and develop workplace skills and experiences.
Work experience opportunities include workplace tours, job shadowing, mentoring, co-operative education, school-work transitions, and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program.
Work experiences vary in length—depending on the type of program that students select and the level of time and effort employers are willing to provide.
For more information on ways to get involved, call Devon at the Northwest Training & Adjustment Board at 1-807-223-3813 or via e-mail at p2p@ntab.on.ca
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
