TORONTO, ONTARIO – In recognition of the United Nations’ World Youth Skills Day, a global initiative that calls attention to the need to empower youth through skills education, Humber College and The King's Trust Canada (TKTC) are partnering to develop courses for TKTC’s new program, The Skills Academy, launching this fall.
The Skills Academy will teach in-demand workplace skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. The goal is to enhance the competitiveness and employability of young people aged 18 to 25 in a fast, accessible, meaningful, and engaging manner. The program will be designed for youth who are facing barriers to employment.
"For decades, Humber has been dedicated to empowering youth by providing access to post-secondary education, enabling them to succeed and become global citizens,” says Ann Marie Vaughan, president and CEO of Humber College. “Our partnership with The King's Trust Canada to develop The Skills Academy marks a significant step in our ongoing efforts to equip young people with the essential employability skills they need to thrive in an ever-evolving job market."
The King’s Trust Canada is a national charity that creates pathways to employment for young people facing barriers by providing free skills training, work experience and networking opportunities.
“Today, 860,000 young people are not in education, employment, or training, facing reduced earning potential, mental health challenges, and social division,” said Farah Mohamed, CEO of The King’s Trust Canada. “Meanwhile, 59 per cent of businesses report difficulty hiring young candidates because of a skills gap and nearly three quarters of young people are off track to acquire the skills needed for employment. Canada is experiencing a silent crisis of youth underemployment, and all sectors must come to the table, just as TKTC and Humber have, to find solutions.”
Should learners be successful in their assessments, they will be eligible for up to five micro-credentials and a certification from Humber College.
For more information Humber College and The King’s Trust Canada, please visit humber.ca or The King’s Trust Canada website.
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About Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
Humber College is focused on our students' future. Humber provides career-focused education to more than 86,000 learners in-person at three main Toronto locations and online. As a global leader in polytechnic education, Humber students receive in-depth theoretical learning and hands-on experience with applied research and extensive industry connections. A comprehensive range of credentials, including honours undergraduate degrees, Ontario graduate certificates, diplomas, apprenticeships, and certificates, prepare career-ready global citizens to move seamlessly from education to employment. More than 86 per cent of Humber graduates are employed within six months of completing their studies. Visit humber.ca.
About The King’s Trust Canada
Founded in 2011, by His Majesty King Charles III, The King's Trust Canada (formerly the Prince's Trust Canada), is a national charity that creates pathways to employment for young people facing barriers by providing free skills training, work experience and networking opportunities. We work with leading Canadian employers, community partners, and educational institutions to advance our mission of helping 100,000 young people increase their employability. By enhancing the skills and employability of our nation's young people -- especially those facing barriers – we play an integral role in strengthening Canada's workforce, promoting equity and fostering sustainable economic growth.
For more information, please contact:
Sylvie Lendvay
Media Relations Specialist
Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
Sylvie.lendvay@humber.ca | 416.729.8940
Gaston Calzato
Senior Manager, Public Affairs
The King’s Trust Canada
Gaston.calzato@kingstrust.ca