Linkages

Eligibility Criteria

Youth age 18 to 24 who have completed a minimum Level II high school, who have not completed post-secondary training and have not made a successful transition to the labour force can apply.  Priority will be given to individuals identified by the Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. (Note: Youth who meet the Level II eligibility requirements, must be out of school for a minimum of six months prior to making application)

Participants must be Non-EI eligible which is defined as:

• currently not receiving E.I. benefits;
• have not received E.I. benefits within the last three years; or
• have not received E.I. maternity or parental benefits within the last five years.

Summary

The Linkages program provides 26 weeks of career related employment; the opportunity to participate in regular career planning workshops; and to earn a completion bonus of up to $468 towards the cost of post-secondary education. Job placements may be with private or non-profit employers. Employers hosting a job placement under the program are provided a wage subsidy of up to $5.00 per hour to a maximum of $4,680 per position. Community based agencies responsible for monitoring, administering and providing the required employment support to clients are eligible for a 15% administrative fee (of wages plus bonus).

Placements created under the Linkages program will not result in the displacement of existing employees, or employees who are on lay-off, recall or absent because of work stoppage or labour/management dispute.

For more information contact your nearest office: HRLE - Contacts for Newfoundland and Labrador