CENTRE WELLINGTON – The Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce (CWCC) is part of a nationwide partnership focused on economic recovery through offering opportunities to young job seekers.
The Chamber Partnership Initiative has brought together chambers of commerce, boards of trade, businesses and post-secondary institutions to connect to a network of hiring tools and business growth resources in a single digital space.
The latest announcement is the Magnet platform where local chambers and their members can find resources for hiring new talent, access to business growth opportunities and other tools to navigate the changing labour market.
Sally Litchfield, CWCC general manager, said by email the real key is connecting businesses with the opportunity to hire young job seekers through a wage subsidy program.
The Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) allows employers to access a federally funded wage subsidy of up to $7,500 when they hire Canadian post-secondary students for work integrated learning experiences.
Carla Qualtrough, federal employment minister, said in a press release strong economic recovery depends on the success of students and youth.
“Programs like the SWPP exist to provide post-secondary students with the chance to grow professionally and develop new skills while working sectors that are in line with their interests and field of study,” Qualtrough said.
A press release said bringing in the next generation of talent is a great way to boost business whether that be through bringing in specialty skills such as digital marketing or flexible workers with a fresh perspective.
Litchfield said some of their members have already taken advantage of the SWPP.
“The Chamber Partnership Initiative represents an innovative and necessary approach to helping small businesses grow, connecting early talent to new opportunities and emerging from this challenge stronger and better,” Litchfield said.
CWCC businesses are invited to create their free Magnet account at their chamber portal.
