York Regional Police (YRP) and AMD/Advanced Micro Devices Inc. are among Canada’s Top Employers for Young People for 2023.
“This year’s winners understand that what moves the needle are programs that propel young people forward in their careers, beyond the onboarding stage,” says Kristina Leung, managing editor at Mediacorp Canada Inc., organizer of the annual Canada’s Top 100 Employers project.
“These employers are committed to their future, investing in professional development beyond the first year on the job,” she says. Trends among this year’s winners include comprehensive learning and development opportunities, clear pathways to advancement and aligning organizational values with issues important to young people, such as diversity and community involvement.
“Employers recognize what young people value and are delivering programs and initiatives that align with these values,” says Chantel Watkins, assistant editor at Mediacorp. “Whether it’s increasing community involvement, recruiting from diverse pipelines of talent, or investing in more long-term development opportunities, top employers are paying attention to what young people are looking for.”
YRP was selected for reasons that include its Student Cadet program, Youth in Policing Initiative, and its civilian job shadowing program.
“York Regional Police remains committed to supporting and developing our young members,” Chief Jim MacSween said. “We are proud to be recognized in this area for the sixth year in a row.”
The Student Cadet program is a paid internship program geared at providing policing experience to students interested in pursuing a career in policing. Students who attend a police-related college or university program can work up to 24 hours per week during the school year and up to 40 hours during the summer. Cadets develop skills and qualifications while working at police districts, assisting with cell checks, front desk duties, monitoring statements and other administrative tasks. The program runs for one year, with the potential to renew for a second.
Through its Youth in Policing Initiative (YIPI) paid internship program, students ages 15 to 18, who have experienced barriers to success in their communities, have opportunities to participate in community events, and administrative tasks and act as junior counsellors at the organization’s educational Community Safety Village in Whitchurch-Stouffville.
YRP’s civilian job shadowing program provides junior civilian members with the opportunity to explore other areas of the organization, build skills and develop relationships outside of their original unit. The program helps support members in achieving their long-term career goals.
AMD/Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., a computer technology manufacturing company located in Markham, offers apprenticeship/skilled trades programs, online training, mentoring and paid internships. It also offers several leadership development programs to develop employees into future leaders of the organization.
Now in its 21st year, Canada’s Top Employers for Young People is an editorial competition that recognizes employers that offer the country’s best workplaces and programs for young people launching their careers. Winners are chosen by the editorial team at Canada’s Top 100 Employers project based on the programs and initiatives they offer to attract and retain younger workers, such as tuition assistance and co-op or work-study programs.
In addition, the editors examine each employer’s mentorship and training programs, including benefits such as bonuses paid on completing trades or professional designations. The editors also review each employer’s career management program, looking for initiatives that help younger workers advance in the organization.
Photo: “York Regional Police remains committed to supporting and developing our young members,” Chief Jim MacSween said.
