The program works with employers to identify six- to 12-month internships for recent college and university graduates, says vice president Jeff Bell.

"We try to give recent graduates real work experience to break the no-job-no-experience cycle," he says. "Over 50% of our interns get hired by their host organizations. All that participants are missing is the opportunity to demonstrate their skill set in a work environment." To date, more than 5,000 interns have been placed with corporations such as Bell, IBM and the Bank of Montreal.

A unique component of Career Edge is its sister program, Ability Edge, which follows the same criteria as the former, but focuses on creating opportunities for persons with disabilities. To date, about 70 matches have been made. The program includes assessments and consultations on workplace accommodations for participants.

Like Ability Edge, some internships focus on certain communities or sector-specific professions. Inroads Toronto offers opportunities for aboriginals and people of colour, pursuing careers in business, engineering or computer science.

Unlike some other internships, there is no ceiling on age, however participants must either be in their last year of high school, or first or second year of college or university, and maintaining a "B" average, says managing director Karen Jackson.

"Young people from ethno-racial communities lack access and networks to the careers we're offering, and this organization offers the opportunity and support for these individuals, as well as to corporations to develop and manage diverse talent," Jackson says.

Youth face numerous employment barriers, says Melanie Stewart of Serve Canada. This internship program supports at risk youth age 17 to 24 who are out of work and school. Youth work in teams and provide service to three-to-five community-based agencies for eight months.

Sometimes ideas are identified by participants themselves. Toronto's Central Neighbourhood House recently benefitted from the creation of a seniors' recreation program created by Serve interns.

Interns receive a monthly stipend, bus tokens and a bursary upon completion of the program. The opportunity also offers job search and life skills components. There is a summer program for youth age 13 to 16 as well.

"These are programs that allow youth to develop personally and professionally," says Stewart. "At last count, 93% of our graduates were either working or in school, and these are essential tools for capturing life goals."

Windy Li would seem to agree. "Many of my classmates went back to their home countries because they were frustrated about not being able to find work in Canada. This internship really opened a door for me."

(Toronto freelance writer Carter Hammett can be contacted at communityconnection@hotmail.com.)



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