Fanshawe College’s Community Employment Services has received $3.74 million in funding from the Federal Department of Employment and Social Development Canada. Fanshawe’s project, Career Launcher, is part of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) program.

This program is available at no cost to eligible participants between 15 and 30 years of age at Fanshawe employment centres in London, Simcoe, St. Thomas and Aylmer.

The Career Launcher program supports youth facing barriers to work by developing plans and strategies for success in returning to learning and/or entering the labour market. The program includes employment consulting and supports, essential employment skills training, academic upgrading, short-term accredited skills training and quality work experience placements.

"Fanshawe's Employment Services are thrilled have these extra supports for youth as they navigate these challenging times, says Darlene O'Neill, executive director, Employment and Student Entrepreneurial Services. "This project will facilitate quality learning and employment experiences for youth in London, St. Thomas, Simcoe and Aylmer and assist them as they launch into their careers."

Individuals and employers may qualify for financial supports including covering cost of tuition for accredited skills training programs up to 52 weeks in duration. Students will have one-to-one career coaching, job placement support and will receive funding for tuition and textbooks, as well as a stipend to offset additional program expenses. Employability skills workshops will be provided in job search and labour market exploration, workplace culture and expectations, self-assessments and employment skill building.

Further information is available at www.fanshawec.ca/careerlauncher.

For more information about Fanshawe College, please visit Fanshawe's media contact page.