10,000 new student opportunities by end of 2020: Toronto Financial Services Alliance launches ambitious pilot to help young Canadians jump-start their careers

Toronto, April 19, 2017 – Toronto region’s financial services employers are increasing their
investment in young Canadians through a ground-breaking, sector-wide initiative to create
10,000 new work-integrated learning opportunities for post-secondary students by the end of
2020. Named ASPIRE, the pilot program has been designed by the Toronto Financial Services
Alliance (TFSA), with the help of 10 financial services employers and 7 Ontario colleges and
universities. ASPIRE’s complementary goals are to improve students’ transition from school to
the workplace and grow the pipeline of in-demand skills needed in the sector.
ASPIRE was announced today at a launch event in Toronto’s financial district, hosted for senior
business and education leaders.

“As the financial services sector continues to reinvent itself in response to dramatic
technological disruption, our employer members are telling us that there is an increasing
number of new positions waiting to be filled”, explains Janet Ecker, President and CEO of
TFSA. “At the same time, our academic members tell us that bright, highly-skilled graduates
are finding it hard to find jobs. It’s our job to help bridge the gap. ASPIRE can do that by giving
students opportunities to become more work-ready through actual hands-on experience.”
To support the creation of new work-integrated learning opportunities in the sector – from
internships and co-ops, to capstone projects, incubators and accelerators – ASPIRE will include
several components rolling out over the next few months:
▪ Targeted marketing and promotional activities to help employers attract a broader base of
students developing in-demand skills, to the sector;
▪ Best practice guidelines and resources to engage and support staff hiring and managing
students, to improve the student experience;
▪ Business skills training to enhance students’ “work-readiness”;
▪ Facilitated networking opportunities during employer-hosted events to share innovative
projects/collaborations taking place in the sector, as well as emerging trends and future
opportunities; and
▪ Regular employer/academic forums to continue the partnership and dialogue to support
student and employer outcomes related to work-integrated learning.

ASPIRE employers recognize the mutual benefit to students and organizations, offered by work integrated learning:
Dave McKay, President and CEO, RBC states: “Our sector has led the charge for work integrated learning for many years.

And this initiative will see an acceleration in our support at a time when young people need access to experiential learning more than ever. Work-integrated learning improves the value of education and it increases innovation. Above all, it is a huge social leveler, building networks and providing access to students from all backgrounds to the
world of work.

“Blending higher education and practical work experience prepares the next generation and
accelerates career growth. Students are exposed to new ideas and job opportunities and
companies gain new thinking and talent” adds Mona Malone, Chief Talent & Learning Officer at
BMO Financial Group.

Michelle Clarke, Vice President, Organizational Effectiveness, Human Resources at OMERS
agrees: “Attracting and developing students is an excellent way for OMERS to bring talent into
the pensions industry. We are proud to partner on ASPIRE to provide students a broader
experience and exposure within the financial services community.”

ASPIRE was designed with the input and guidance of a committed multi-stakeholder working
group including:
▪ 10 employers: Aviva Canada, BMO, CIBC, Intact Financial Corporation, OMERS, RBC,
Scotiabank, Sun Life Financial, TD Bank Group, and TMX Group;
▪ 7 post-secondary institutions: George Brown College, Northeastern University (Toronto
campus), Queen’s University, Ryerson University, Seneca College, University of Toronto,
and University of Waterloo; and
▪ 3 levels of government: Federal (Employment and Social Development Canada), Provincial
(Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development, which is contributing to the project
as well), and Municipal (Toronto Employment and Social Services).
Part of the bigger picture

ASPIRE is the first of several work-integrated learning sector pilots initiated across the country
by the Business/Higher Education Roundtable to fulfil its commitment to making work-integrated
learning a fundamental part of the Canadian undergraduate experience, as a means of
improving school-to-work transitions for young Canadians, and their employers.

For more information, please contact:
Sashya D’Souza, Vice President, Centre of Excellence in Financial Services Education, TFSA
sdsouza@tfsa.ca
416-933-6789

About Toronto Financial Services Alliance:

The Toronto Financial Services Alliance is a public/private organization whose mandate is to
enhance and promote the long-term competitiveness of Toronto as a top ten international
financial services centre. Its membership encompasses core financial services companies –
banks, brokerages, investment fund managers, insurance companies, pensions – as well as
partner sectors – accounting, law and education. Established in 2001, TFSA is a collaboration
involving three levels of government, the financial services industry and academia. For more
information, please check our website at www.tfsa.ca.

About the Business/Higher Education Roundtable:
Launched in 2015 by the Business Council of Canada, the Business/Higher Education
Roundtable represents some of Canada’s largest companies and leading post-secondary
institutions. Composed of leaders from the private sector, universities, colleges and
polytechnics, BHER works to support young Canadians as they transition from education to the
workplace, strengthen research collaboration between industry and institutions, and help
Canadian employers as they adapt to the economy of the future. His Excellency the Right
Honourable David Johnston, Canada’s Governor General, serves as BHER’s Honorary Patron.

Learn more at bher.ca