New scheme aims to give underrepresented groups job experience, networking opportunities
A not-for-profit organisation is extending wage subsidies for employers that will be hiring Black talent in Ontario.
Accelerate Auto is an organisation that aims to improve employment opportunities for Black workers in Canada's automotive sector.
Early this month, it launched its newest Access to Work Program that aims to grant employers up to $750 per week for 10 weeks for every Black talent they hire.
Under the program, eligible candidates will be connected with employers in the auto industry or related fields.
Work opportunities for young professionals
The organisation said the goal is to provide valuable work opportunities for young professionals, college and university students, as well as recent graduates of Black ancestry in the age range of 18 to 34 who are in Ontario.
"We have built solid partnerships with organizations and supporters, and now we are providing them an opportunity to hire Black talent from our community and receive a wage subsidy," said Christopher Nabeta, executive chair of Accelerate Auto, in a statement.
"It will give underrepresented groups in our industry invaluable job experience and networking opportunities."
Applications for interested organisations are now open, according to Accelerate Auto. It aims to place 25 candidates by March 31, 2024.
Mentorship programme
Accelerate Auto also launched a mentorship program in October that connects high-profile industry leaders with the next generation of Black talent who are entering the auto industry.
Joyce Tshiamala, Accelerate Auto Board Member who served as the lead of the project, said it is difficult for people outside any industry to understand how to get started and succeed.
"We are so fortunate to have high-profile, successful leaders volunteer to help mentor the next generation and give them insights about how to navigate this industry and position themselves for great careers," Tshiamala said in a statement.
Racism in Canada
In Canada, recent research revealed 47% of Black people are being treated unfairly by an employer in hiring, pay, or promotion.
Lorne Foster, professor at the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies and Institute for Social Research director at York University, said this shows that racism has "profoundly and enduringly permeated" in Canada's systems and structures.
"A proactive examination of organizational culture, attitudes, norms and shared perspectives in workplaces… is urgently needed," Foster previously said.
