FC Skills Accelerator: Free Training and Reskilling Program in York Region
We are very pleased to announce the launch of a new skills-training program, the FC Skills Accelerator, in York Region. Fair Chance Learning has received a $1.5 million investment from the Government of Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development via the Skills Development Fund to offer free training and education to job seekers and workers, predominantly youth, in York Region.
The FC Skills Accelerator is a 12-week program delivered through an online learning experience platform, beginning this month, with ongoing enrolment through March 2023. Participants will earn in-demand industry-recognized micro-credentials, such as: Microsoft Office Specialist; Adobe Certified Professional; Entrepreneurship and Small Business, Intuit; Cybersecurity; Communication Skills for Business; Apple Swift; Project Management Institute; and IC3 Digital Literacy Certification.
“The digitization of Ontario’s workplaces was accelerated through the pandemic and learning opportunities that reskill Ontario’s labour market and provide increased employment opportunities in these areas will be an integral part of our post-pandemic recovery,” says Martha Jez, CEO and Co-Founder of Fair Chance Learning.
The FC Skills Accelerator is a robust, scalable program that will support Ontario’s post-pandemic recovery by directly enabling 2,500 individuals to be more employable with future ready skills that respond to the digital labour market demand. The funding received from the Province will be used to launch the FC Skills Accelerator as a pilot project in the York Region, after which we intend to scale up and expand the program to other participants across Ontario, and eventually Canada.
This is only accomplished in partnership with local employment organizations, academic institutions, economic development and technology companies including: Newmarket Chamber of Commerce; Town of Newmarket; Workforce Planning Board of York Region; YMCA of Greater Toronto York Region Employment Services; the York Region District School Board’s (YRDSB) Continuing Education Department; Microsoft Canada; LearnKey Inc.; Compugen Inc.; Geranium; GFL Environmental Inc.; Metroland Media; and Rice Group, among others.
These partners will help ensure the FC Skills Accelerator training and opportunities reach participants who face higher barriers of entry into the labour market. Program partners will also support promotion of the program, referral and recruitment of eligible participants, and offer wrap-around services to enable job placement and career opportunities.
“The foundation of our work at Fair Chance Learning is collaboration. We could not do this work without their involvement, and we thank them for their continued support of our programs,” added Jez. “We also thank the Government of Ontario for their investment in our FC Skills Accelerator program, which directly supports their commitment to enable market-driven solutions and leverage workforce development initiatives as part of post-pandemic recovery plans.”
“Ontario is pleased to provide Fair Chance Learning with this impactful grant,” said MPP Christine Elliott. “This funding will give a boost to the FC Skills Accelerator program and support individuals in Newmarket-Aurora to improve their skills, empowering them to succeed in the workforce.”
“Our government is working for workers every day. Through our Skills Development Fund, we’re giving workers the training they need to fill in-demand jobs, earn bigger paycheques and advance in rewarding careers that make their families and communities stronger,” said Minister McNaughton. “Our government has a workers-first plan to deliver a stronger Ontario. As build today for a better tomorrow, we need all hands-on deck. We’re leaving nobody behind and we’re getting it done.”