The Owen Sound Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Ryerson University and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce to help turn the tide on youth unemployment and address the skills gap. The Chamber is announcing Magnet, a leading-edge networking platform that will help employers in Owen Sound connect with recent graduates and qualified candidates.
The Magnet network has one goal: to ensure that individuals within its network are matched to promising job opportunities and that organizations connect to qualified candidates.
With Magnet, businesses can create profiles and search for qualified talent within Owen Sound and beyond. This effective, accurate, and efficient way works to match these candidates’ qualifications and interests with employers’ skills requirements.
“This greatly advanced system of connecting employers with job seekers is specifically designed for small and medium sized businesses” says Bert Loopstra, CEO Owen Sound and District Chamber of Commerce.
Magnet is built upon revolutionary networking technology developed through Ryerson University’s Digital Media Zone.
“Magnet is not only going to address this barrier by connecting businesses with the right candidates, but also by creating youth employment opportunities across the province—it’s a win-win scenario.”“Young people with talent and skill are the promise of our future,” says Sheldon Levy, President and Vice Chancellor of Ryerson University. “Bert and his team at the Chamber of Commerce deserve to be commended for their involvement in this breakthrough network that enables the right people to connect with the right jobs.”
The Magnet network currently includes 18 universities and colleges across Ontario, representing over 500,000 students and graduates, the network of chambers of commerce and boards of trade throughout Ontario, representing 60,000 employers and two million jobs, and over 30 labour- and opportunity-based organizations.
“Ontario’s employers are telling us that they’re finding it difficult to connect with workers that have the skills they need. Magnet is not only going to address this barrier by connecting businesses with the right candidates, but also by creating youth employment opportunities across the province—it’s a win-win scenario,” says Allan O’Dette, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
“The program may also assist local employers seeking persons with specific skills that may not be readily available locally” adds Loopstra.
The Magnet network officially launched in early October.
Key Facts
- Ontario’s youth unemployment rate currently sits at 15.4%.
- The Government of Ontario has invested almost $1.2 million to help expand Magnet across the province.
- Magnet is built upon revolutionary networking technology, called WhoPlusYou, developed through Ryerson University’s Digital Media Zone.
- The Magnet network currently includes 18 universities and colleges and the network of chambers of commerce and boards of trade across Ontario.
To learn more, visit www.magnet.today
For more information,
contact: Bert Loopstra (CEO) or Wendy Adams (Administrative Assistant)
Owen Sound & District Chamber of Commerce
519 376-6261
bert@oschamber.com or wendy@oschamber.com
