THE INCUBATOR
The Incubator is a training program funded by Toronto Employment and Social Services. It is focused on supporting youth 18-29 who are on Ontario Works or are OW dependents to help bring them closer to employment and training opportunities.
The program is a combination of technical skills training, career planning, opportunities and activities as well as practical on-site job training experience in order to transition clients towards employment and/or further education upon completion. This training is fully aligned with City of Toronto’s Youth Equity Strategy.
Over the course of 8 weeks, participants will take part in a range of introductory experiential career learning opportunities including: hospitality, skilled trades, and job readiness workshops. Daily activities will blend theory with application of learned concepts in two ‘incubators’: The Mill Centre, focusing on skilled trades/carpentry and Show Love Café, focusing on providing customer service and hospitality and providing employment and training opportunities. In both incubators, emphasis is placed on employability and soft skills as they are crucial to long-term employment success.
All participants are provided with customized, one-on-one supports each step of the way – from enrollment to graduation and beyond. Youth will acquire the skills and experience needed for success both in finding and maintaining employment, and / or making informed choices for further training and education.
Eligibility and Benefits
18-29 years of age
Ontario Works client or OW dependent
Successful completion of 3 online assessments
Commitment to completing the program and working with Dixon Hall to be connected to employment or training opportunities
Extra monthly OW financial support: $250/month for training-related expenses plus $142/month for transportation
The Incubator - 2020
Completion of the online assessments is accepted until Friday, July 15th, 2020 (links are in link below)
Students to be informed on July 24th with regards the acceptance into the program
Program starts on Tuesday, August 4th and ends on Friday, September 25th
Some of the workshops will be delivered virtually on Zoom
In-person classes will respect the COVID-19 social distancing measures
Carpentry classes will take place at Labour Education Centre - 25 Klondike Drive and 15 Gervais Drive - between 8AM and 3 PM;
Hospitality classes take place in Regent Park
REGISTRATION: Complete an online assessment:
The registration for the program is currently closed.