For over 30 years, Spark Employment Services has been helping clients in the Sudbury area secure employment. The organization has grown over the years and now also offers programs to address youth employment.
What is the E.D.G.E Program?
Designed for youth aged 15 to 30 facing employment barriers, the Experience Development to Gain Employment (E.D.G.E) program helps participants navigate the labour market. Upon completion of the program, participants successfully transition to sustained employment. The program allows youth to develop new skills while increasing their knowledge and network. This is achieved through education, skills development and meaningful employment.
Spark Employment Services encourages applications from those who are ready to commit to developing their skills and employability. E.D.G.E is a 12-week program that requires a 35-hour commitment. In return, participants will be provided with a paid living allowance.
The first two weeks involves the E.D.G.E Leadership+ training course. The course is designed to provide youth who are facing barriers to employment an opportunity to engage in self-reflection and self-awareness while developing employability and leadership skills.
Following the E.D.G.E Leadership+ training course, participants are provided with six weeks of training focused on various learning and skills enhancements to assist them in attaching to the labour market.
In the final four weeks of the program, participants will demonstrate their skills and learnings in a work placement with an employer in the City of Greater Sudbury.
Who should apply?
E.D.G.E is suitable for individuals who:
- have limited or no work experience;
- have been off of work for a period of time and are ready to re-enter the workforce;
- have recently graduated from school and are looking for work;
- have been laid off or lost their job; and/or
- are looking to gain an edge in the labour market.
Want to Support the Program?
Spark Employment Services is actively looking for guest speakers to share their story, agency or relevant experience to youth in the program. It is also looking to collaborate with champion employers that would like to facilitate a quality placement opportunity for youth.
The job placement is four weeks in length (35 hours per week) and the program can support costs associated with wage, PPE and job-specific training, which is determined on an individual basis. During this placement period, the Youth Employment Coach will provide on/off-site job coaching as well as employer conferencing and check-ins.
How to Apply
The next open registration/application period will start Nov. 25, 2020. Potential participants must complete an Intake Assessment to determine their eligibility and suitability for the program. As the program maximum is five, acceptance will be determined on an individual basis.
Successful applicants will receive an offer from the Youth Employment Coach. The program start date is December 21, 2020, and will run until March 19, 2021.
Questions can be directed to Youth Employment Coach Brandi Fleming by e-mail or call 705.671.2544 ext. 249.