The Conseil scolaire de district catholique de l’Est ontarien (CSDCEO) and the Employment Services Centre of Prescott-Russell (CSEPR) have partnered to advance employment prospects for secondary school graduates. The partnership aims at providing invaluable support to local youth in their transition towards the job market. The agreement seeks to assist grade 12 students entering the job market, supporting students aged 16 and older in cooperative education programs to help them integrate into the workforce, and a third component which is a pilot project where students are part of a directed alternative learning program. To kickstart the pilot project, CSEPR is investing $10,000 to hire a teacher who will develop and deliver workshops and credit courses leading to an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) for the students taking part.
“This partnership will transform how young people are integrated into the labour market while ensuring a better transition,” said Lionel Renaud, Chair of the CSEPR Board of Directors. “Young people will be better informed and better prepared to successfully integrate into employment through Employment Ontario services delivered directly to them in school,” he added Renaud.
“The pilot project with CSDCEO is certainly a first in eastern Ontario, if not in Ontario, and CSEPR did not hesitate to invest $10,000 in it. As with the other two components, young people will have access to Employment Ontario services, including financial support of up to $8,500 to provide them with the equipment they need to prepare for employment,” CSEPR Executive Director Caroline Arcand explained.
“We believe we can help alleviate our region’s labor shortage by providing more employment opportunities and work experience for our students. This partnership will provide students with academic, professional, and financial support. It is also directly aligned with the vision of our 2021-2025 Strategic Plan, which aims to have a school community that is engaged in its community, selfless, and innovative,” CSDCEO Director of Education Lyne Racine said.
Through this partnership, the Employment Services Centre and the Conseil scolaire de district catholique de l’Est ontarien intend to reaffirm their commitment to quality education and youth success, preparing them for academic excellence and fulfilling careers in the professional world.
