Job training is becoming more accessible to at-risk youth in Belleville.
MPP Todd Smith announced during a press conference at the John Howard Society of Belleville that the provincial government is committing $270,626 to support job training and resources for youth who have experienced a difficult upbringing.
During the presentation, MPP Todd Smith spoke about how obstacles to employment can create many other problems in a young adult’s life.
“A lack of gainful employment can lead a person to poverty, or homelessness, mental health or addictions,” said Todd Smith. “As more people find themselves in that position, we see the strain on the support systems that we have in place, but at the same time, it doesn’t have to be that way.”
Jennifer Cormier, Executive Director at the John Howard Society of Belleville, welcomed the funding and says it will go to supporting programs in the community that grant at-risk youth practical training in food preparation and customer service skills that can be transferred to a wide range of job positions.
