Options Youth: Virtual Employment Wage Subsidy Program

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Options Youth is a virtual employment wage subsidy program funded by Service Canada and facilitated by the Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre. It consists of paid, online, milestone-based skill training, followed by a 20-week, paid work placement. Options Youth is committed to helping youth overcome barriers to enter the workforce through personalized training to participants and federal wage subsidies to employers in Nova Scotia

For Employers:

  • $8,785 wage subsidy (12.55/hr. for 35hrs per week for 20 weeks)

  • Additional support, as required, throughout the program to participants and employers to provide the best possible experience

 

For Participants:

  • Personalized training and mentoring to participants using our online platform

  • Participants earn an allowance of over $2,600 while completing the online skill training

  • Support and coaching

Employer Requirements:

  • Hire a participant that has completed the online program

  • Small- and medium- size business in Nova Scotia

  • Provide a minimum 35-hour work week

  • Coverage of MERC (mandatory employment related costs)

  • Place the participant on payroll (invoice Options Youth each month)

  • Provide monthly reports to the Project Manager

Participant Requiements:

  • A Case Manager (Employment Worker, Social Worker, Probation Officer, etc.)

  • Between the ages of 15-30

  • Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act

  • Legally entitled to work in Nova Scotia

  • Facing barrier to employment

Next Cohort

Our next cohort will begin in August 2020, and be ready for work by the end of September. If you are interested in hearing more please contact optionsyouth@smu.ca