Due to the onset of the pandemic, 1.1 million jobs were lost in the province of Ontario. Fortunately, the Province has announced that employment levels have returned to where they were pre-pandemic. Services offered and funded by Employment Ontario have become even more essential as the need for training, advice, and job-seeking opportunities continue to rise.
According to the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario, “As pandemic-related restrictions were eased in 2021, more people entered the job market looking for work, raising the province's labour force participation rate to 64.9 percent, matching its pre-pandemic rate.”
TRACKS Employment Services is a not-for-profit resource centre for Employment Ontario that helps unemployed and underemployed individuals of all ages to find and retain reliable employment in South Georgian Bay at no cost. Funded by the provincial government, TRACKS offers multiple programs and job preparation services geared towards specific demographics, ages, and more.
Services vary depending on the level of assistance people require.
“We help you get a job either assisting you on a self-directed basis or giving in-depth support,” says Bradley Green, an Administrator at TRACKS Employment Services. “Government suitability factors determine the level of service available to individuals. People may just need help doing their own resumes and some people might need help with job placement. We provide a wide range of services to our community. Tracks Employment Services is your one-stop employment centre.”
Job seekers are provided with the resources they need to succeed in the workplace
General Services offered to job seekers include:
- Have your resume and cover letter reviewed and edited
- Network with local employers & businesses
- Explore your opportunities with our career assessments
- Gain relevant training & certifications
- Access job supports and on-the-job training
There are multiple available programs job seekers may be eligible for, including one on one employment counselling for resume development, referrals, and training. These qualified professionals are able to provide advice on options available and will dedicate their time to providing job seekers with the resources they need to find employment.
Better Jobs Ontario:
Previously known as Second Career, Better Jobs Ontario is a government program that helps people re-join the workforce quickly. Individuals receive skills training and financial support in order to take a college program up to two years in length that will give them the educational requirements needed to obtain a new job in a high-demand occupation.
The program requires specific qualifications to apply and an employment counsellor can help clients prepare. These qualifications have changed for Better Jobs Ontario effective April 29, 2022, to include new opportunities for those who may not have previously qualified, especially those seeking a “first career” such as newcomers, youth, and gig workers.
Youth Job Connection:
YJC is an employment readiness program designed to help young adults plan for their future and kick-start their careers. Participants must be 15-29 years old, unemployed, not in education, and legally able to work in Canada. The program runs year-round with a special summer Youth Job Connection program.
Participants are paid $15.00/hour to complete pre-employment training designed to help
them succeed in the workplace. Training and certification, which can include First Aid & CPR training, Budgeting, Career Exploration, CannSell, Smart Serve, and more can be up to 90 hours long and is completed at 50 Hume St in Collingwood. Once completed, participants will be able to find a paid job placement in the community.
TRACKS supports employers with training, financial support, and more.
Some of the services offered to employers by TRACKS Employment Services include:
- Apprenticeship Training with financial incentives available
- Canada Ontario Job Grant for the training of existing employees
- Employer services including a job board with financial incentives available
To learn more about the services available for job seekers and employers, visit the TRACKS website.