Education/training
Intern today, employee tomorrowWindy Li has good reason to be smiling these days. The demure, 29-year-old recently obtained a two-year internship position with the provincial government as an IT specialist, that finally brought an end to a long, frustrating job search that began last year. CARTER HAMMETT |
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 [ 2002-06-26 ] |
"I felt happy to finally end my job hunting, after such a long time," she says.
"I find this is a good starting point to get into the workforce, especially in these hard times; all the companies want experience."
For new graduates finding it difficult to enter the labour market, internships might be an option to consider. Although eligibility criteria for individual programs vary widely, internships are usually paid, extended work placements that can last anywhere from three months to two years. The Ontario
Internship Program, for example, normally accepts 100 graduates annually in finance, business, human resources and policy development. The two-year program offers three eight-month rotational assignments, classroom training, mentoring and an entry-level wage.
While government internships are available at both the provincial and federal levels, there are several privately-funded opportunities as well. One of these, Career Edge, is a national initiative, currently in its sixth year of operation.
The program works with employers to identify six- to 12-month internships for recent college and university graduates, says vice president Jeff Bell.
"We try to give recent graduates real work experience to break the no-job-no-experience cycle," he says. "Over 50% of our interns get hired by their host organizations. All that participants are missing is the opportunity to demonstrate their skill set in a work environment." To date, more than 5,000 interns have been placed with corporations such as Bell, IBM and the Bank of Montreal.
A unique component of Career Edge is its sister program, Ability Edge, which follows the same criteria as the former, but focuses on creating opportunities for persons with disabilities. To date, about 70 matches have been made. The program includes assessments and consultations on workplace accommodations for participants.
Like Ability Edge, some internships focus on certain communities or sector-specific professions. Inroads Toronto offers opportunities for aboriginals and people of colour, pursuing careers in business, engineering or computer science.
Unlike some other internships, there is no ceiling on age, however participants must either be in their last year of high school, or first or second year of college or university, and maintaining a "B" average, says managing director Karen Jackson.
"Young people from ethno-racial communities lack access and networks to the careers we're offering, and this organization offers the opportunity and support for these individuals, as well as to corporations to develop and manage diverse talent," Jackson says.
Youth face numerous employment barriers, says Melanie Stewart of Serve Canada. This internship program supports at risk youth age 17 to 24 who are out of work and school. Youth work in teams and provide service to three-to-five community-based agencies for eight months.
Sometimes ideas are identified by participants themselves. Toronto's Central Neighbourhood House recently benefitted from the creation of a seniors' recreation program created by Serve interns.
Interns receive a monthly stipend, bus tokens and a bursary upon completion of the program. The opportunity also offers job search and life skills components. There is a summer program for youth age 13 to 16 as well.
"These are programs that allow youth to develop personally and professionally," says Stewart. "At last count, 93% of our graduates were either working or in school, and these are essential tools for capturing life goals."
Windy Li would seem to agree. "Many of my classmates went back to their home countries because they were frustrated about not being able to find work in Canada. This internship really opened a door for me."
Internship Opportunities in Toronto:
People interested in internships should begin their search with The Canadian Directory of Internships, available online at www.cacee.com.
The site includes information on more than 240 internship programs offered internationally, nationally, locally and through post secondary institutions.
St. Stephen's Employment and Training Centre is host agency of the Youth One on One Internship Program for college or university grads age 16 to 29.
The objective is to provide long-term, career-oriented opportunities for barriered youth to make a successful transition from school to work. Opportunities last up to six months.
For more information, contact Azam Ahmed at (416) 531-4631.
Serve Canada 416-933-2950
Inroads Toronto 416-512-0929
Ontario Internship Program 416-326-5656
Career Edge/Ability Edge 416-363-0003
Federal Public Sector Youth Internship Program/YMCA Information 1-800-495-8775
Campus Workopolis - campus.workopolis.com
(Toronto freelance writer Carter Hammett can be contacted at communityconnection@hotmail.com.)
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