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Ontario provides training, funding to help military veterans find civilian jobs

Ontario is piloting a project to help military veterans transition to jobs in civilian life.

The pilot, called Elevate Plus – Military, will reach former Canadian Armed Forces personnel soft skills, including conflict resolution, and technical skills. It will also provide paid job placements, the provincial government said.

“Armed Forces members generally exit the service at an age where they have many years of work ahead of them,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “But the transition to civilian life is a dramatic one. It often requires people to learn new skills to help them find potential employers, succeed in an interview and then excel in a new work environment.”

The Ontario government is contributing $834,900 to the pilot, which is made possible through a partnership between the province, Quinte Economic Development Commission and Loyalist College. The project will create 56 training opportunities at CFB Trenton for careers in the IT and financial sectors. The average age of veteran upon release from service is quite young – 38.5 years.

In addition to the career specific training, veterans and their family members will also develop important soft skills they need for success in the civilian economy, like business etiquette and conflict resolution in the workplace.

“By leveraging the talents of the local military men and women at CFB Trenton, the entire Bay of Quinte community benefits,” said Todd Smith, MPP for Bay of Quinte. “Through partnerships like this, we can help our veterans and their families support job creation, and help businesses find the skilled employees they need to succeed.”

The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development will consider using a similar project to help military families elsewhere in Ontario.

“We hope this pilot will serve as a model we can roll out across the province,” said  McNaughton.