City of Kitchener awards 22 employment support grants to youth

The City of Kitchener has awarded Youth Employment Support Grants to 22 local youth to help them secure jobs with the city this summer. The financial cost to gain the qualifications to be eligible for a city position, such as a lifeguard, swim instructor, camp leader, or youth drop-in coordinator, can sometimes be a barrier for youth who are living on a low income.

The city introduced the new Youth Employment Support Grant earlier this year as a pilot program designed to offer youth ages 15-30 up to $300 to cover costs to get the certifications and documents often required to be considered for summer employment with the city, such as:

• drivers abstract or drivers record,
• vulnerable persons criminal reference check,
• standard first aid certification,
• High Five Certification,
• Bronze Cross, National Lifeguard and Swim Instructors,
• transit passes and tickets, or
• uniform costs.

The Youth Employment Support Grant will help to reduce barriers to employment for youth whose families are living on a low income and increase opportunities for training and skill development. The grant also enhances the city’s recruitment efforts by investing in local youth seeking summer employment with the city. Applications closed on April 28.

To learn more about the grant, or to subscribe for future notifications, visit www.kitchener.ca/YouthEmploymentGrant.