Youth Jobs Strategy will complement UOIT initiatives to create entrepreneurs and innovators

OSHAWA, ON – The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) welcomes the provincial government’s commitment to youth through the $295 million Youth Jobs Strategy announced in the May 2013 Ontario Budget.  

“Entrepreneurship and innovation skills are a key component of the UOIT student experience,” said UOIT President Tim McTiernan. “The Youth Jobs Strategy aligns with the university’s mandate to develop highly skilled graduates and provide hands-on learning opportunities such as co-ops and internships. This approach has translated into a 95 per cent employment rate for UOIT graduates within two years of obtaining their degree.”

The provincial government’s two-year Youth Jobs Strategy includes a fund to support mentorship and start-up capital for the next generation of entrepreneurs. In addition, the strategy will support young innovators to secure the skills and experience needed to lead and manage industrial research, development and commercialization. This type of initiative has already paid dividends for Squabble Studios, a start-up company developed by five UOIT alumni through the support of Spark Centre – one of 14 Regional Innovation Centres in Ontario.

UOIT is also hopeful that as Ontario moves toward a balanced budget, the province will provide matching funds to capitalize on the federal government’s Building Canada Fund (BCF). For the first time, post-secondary education infrastructure that supports advanced research and teaching is eligible for BCF funding.

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

Media contact
Bryan Oliver
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 2209
289.928.0268
bryan.oliver@uoit.ca