The Greater Halifax Partnership launched the Y2E - Linking Youth to Employers Project in October, 2008. We were responding to employers who told us they need to connect to new labour pools in Greater Halifax to grow their workforce today and into the future. One thing Halifax has is talented people. Many are youth who face barriers to employment. This group is also referred to as priority youth.
The Y2E team and Steering Committee worked with over 245 employers, youth, service providers, and others to build an employment framework that will make the business connection between these youth and local employers. We researched youth employment challenges and opportunities in Greater Halifax, best practices, and models from around the world that successfully connect youth to employers.
The recommendation is the Y2E Framework - Greater Halifax's Priority Youth Employment Strategy.
The Y2E Framework: Greater Halifax's Priority Youth Employment Strategy
The Y2E Framework is a capacity building strategy aimed at making the business connection between priority youth and local employers.
The framework improves collaboration and communication to make the right connections between the right information, and the right people, at the right time.
The Y2E Framework strengthens relationships by connecting stakeholders with information, and with each other, capitalizing on existing programs and youth development processes. It makes connections and increases collaboration.
Four Framework Pillars are the essential working parts of the recommended inclusive framework for Greater Halifax:
- Connecting People to the Right Information and Services
- Building Capacity through Collaboration
- Linking to the Right Opportunities at the Right Time
- Engaging in Ongoing Supportive Relationships and Practices
Leadership & Operations
The four pillars are essential to making the business connection between priority youth, employers and local jobs. Beyond these are aspects of management/leadership, administration, accountability and sustainability.
- The Link Team
- Operations and Administration Team
The Tool - Delivering the Framework
The Framework is supported by a web-based Community Operating System called VisionLink Community OS.