The Ontario government has recently launched its comprehensive Youth Employment Fund (YEF) to promote employment and innovation through the creation of 25,000 new job opportunities for youth.
The objective of the YEF program is to provide unemployed youth between the ages of 15 and 29 with an entry point into the workforce through the development of new skills. The Ontario Government will subsidize up to $6,800 for initial training and wage expenditures, and up to $1,000 for additional training directly related to the position, per new hire. There is no set limit to the number of placements an employer can take on, provided the candidates meet the eligibility criteria.
Eligible candidates are:
- Between the ages of 15 and 39
- Unemployed or working less than 20 hours per week
- Not attending school full time and
- A resident of Ontario
Additionally, an employer who is eligible for the hiring incentive must:
- Be licensed to operate in Ontario
- Be compliant with legislation
- Provide a job placement of four to six months
- Provide a job placement that does not displace current or laid-off employees
The YEF program is not industry specific. Employers must provide employment opportunities that provide on-the-job training for youth, and they must have an intention to retain the employee after the placement ends.