Employment

Helping People Become More Employable

Dixon Hall's Inch by Inch woodworking program offers low-income or homeless participants a chance to earn money by handcrafting quality wood products. (Photo by Phill Snel)

The Situation

Our knowledge-based economy has dramatically increased the level of education and skills required of today's workforce. Those struggling to gain entry to the labour market–youth, newcomers seeking their first job, or homemakers who have been away from the job market– often need assistance. Effective employment training and upgrading, job search strategies, help getting foreign credentials recognized, or job-specific language training are often the key to building a new life.

A growing number of innovative programs are being developed by social service agencies, outside the traditional educational system. A community agency can often provide the support people need to successfully break into the job market and establish a career path and a firm financial footing.

The Facts

  • In 2007, 102,000 people were unemployed in Toronto, or 8% of the total Toronto labour force.
  • In 2000, more than 60% of earners in the lowest earnings category (less than $20,000) had no more than a high school education, while more than 60% of earners in the top category ($100,000 or more) had a university degree.
  • 22% of Canadian adults have serious difficulty with reading, writing and math, and another 26% don't have the literacy skills necessary to succeed in today's economy.
  • 820,000 Canadian women were self-employed in 2002, typically without benefits or access to skills upgrading.
  • In 2006, the youth unemployment rate in the Toronto region was 13.6%, which is higher than Ontario's rate of 13.1% and the national average of 11.6%.

United Way Support

United Way supports social and health services in Toronto that provide the greatest impact to our community. United Way funds 64 agencies that develop effective, targeted programs to meet the needs of individuals seeking job training and skills development. These agencies help people improve their communication skills to boost self-confidence and self-presentation. They teach how to write effective resumes and correspondence, and how to network and tap into the hidden job market. One program targets extremely low income, marginalized individuals—mostly women in poverty with little work experience—to help them develop communication and life skills to take them from poverty to self-sufficiency.

Michelle Ross runs a booth at the St. Lawrence Market in downtown Toronto, as part of the "Calico" project, designed by Dixon Hall.

Support United Way and you'll support people like Michelle

Not long ago, Michelle Ross found herself slipping through the cracks of social services. Then the unemployed 31-year-old single mother signed up for a 10-week market incubator program called Calico. Calico is the brainchild of Dixon Hall, in partnership with Toronto's St. Lawrence Market. In September 2002, Dixon Hall, a United Way agency, and the Market launched the innovative program— a project that helps people develop their entrepreneurial skills and gain valuable work experience. Ross now runs a booth at St. Lawrence Market, making and selling natural body-care products, hosting workshops and promoting her growing business. Hers is one of 12 thriving Calico booths at the bustling downtown Market. "Through Calico, I've been given the opportunity to upgrade my skills," says Michelle.

Adapted from an article in the Toronto Sun, November 5, 2002, by Himani Ediriweera.

Your dollars change lives

$45 allows one senior to participate in an eight week "Access to the Internet" computer course at the Bernard Betel Centre for Creative Living.

$130 provides employment preparation for an unemployed worker 45 years of age or older, at the Jamaican Canadian Association.

$260 provides five two-hour computer workshops for 30 women at Times Change Women's Employment Centre, to teach them introductory computer and Internet skills.

$1,160 provides workplace accommodation strategy, job search techniques and placement opportunities to an unemployed individual with epilepsy at Epilepsy Toronto, helping them find employment.

With your generosity, United Way agencies can provide the necessary skills, training, and support to boost people's self-esteem and help them find meaningful employment.

Your donation will make a difference by supporting:

  • Job search techniques and job readiness training
  • Career counselling and assessment
  • Literacy programs
  • Computer, clerical, and technical training
  • Youth mentoring
  • Work placements

Download the brochure: Helping People Become More Employable (pdf - 131 KB).