June 30, 2022 · Summerside, Prince Edward Island · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Businesses in the food services industry continue to seek skilled workers to deliver high quality hospitality products and services. A Prince Edward Island community organization is working to expand the local labour market while offering opportunities to at-risk youth through a new training program.
A skilled workforce is critical to building a strong, resilient future for all Atlantic Canadians. The Government of Canada has partnered with the Government of PEI for a total investment of $297,717 to help Connection 2 Employment ensure youth are able to play an active role in growing a prosperous and more inclusive economy.
A program that benefits businesses and youth entering the workforce
On June 17, Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont, announced a non-repayable contribution of $149,449 through Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency's (ACOA) Business Development Program (BDP) to help Connection 2 Employment PEI establish a food services social enterprise for at-risk youth. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA. The Government of PEI also provided a grant of $148,268 toward the project.
This funding will help Connection 2 Employment PEI develop a hospitality training program at the Holland College campus in Summerside. The new initiative will offer skills development for at-risk youth in a supportive environment. Participants will receive practical on-the-job experience and the local food services industry is expected to see a significant increase in the number of skilled workers in the labour force. This project will help train over 70 participants in the first year and is expected to grow the following year.
The Government of Canada is making investments that help organizations find innovative solutions to today's workforce challenges, while also ensuring all Canadians have the chance to participate fully in the economy.
