Career Edge has launched a paid internship program for Canadian Armed Forces Reservists with support from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) in partnership with the Department of National Defense (DND).
Career Edge will receive close to $3M from ESDC to launch an important pilot project for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Reserves in three major geographic cities/regions yet to be determined. The project is intended to help Reservists get the skills and experience needed to overcome barriers to meaningful and sustainable employment within their communities, while continuing to serve their reserve unit.
Reservists play a critical role in Canada’s strategy to develop a diverse and qualified pool of military personnel, yet many leave the force before completing their military training, when faced with limited job opportunities within their civilian communities. Training for our Reservists represent a significant investment in CAF; and with 130 reserve units across Canada, keeping active Reservists living and working in their community is critically important to Canada’s national defense.
“Members of CAF represent a highly skilled talent pool, and this program gives them an ideal opportunity to start working in their field,” says Jay Yakabowich, Director of Business Development at Career Edge, and former Canadian Forces Reservist who served the Guns with the Royal Canadian Artillery, 10 Field Regiment, 64th Field Battery located in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. “I know first-hand that these candidates have the right skills and attitude to succeed in their chosen career path, while also serving their country.”
Through Career Edge’s paid internship program, employers can hire Reservists for various entry and mid-level internship positions to meet their staffing needs, as Reservists offer a plethora of transferable skills – including but not limited to:
- Organization skills
- Problem solving and issue resolution
- Leadership
- Team work
- Resourcefulness
- Highly developed communication skills –leveraging computer and wireless technology
- Experience working in culturally diverse environments
“We are honoured to join forces with ESDC and DND to help Canadian Reservists pursue their civilian careers,” says Naguib Gouda, President of Career Edge. “The program symbolizes the federal government’s commitment to the professional success of its Reservists, while representing a natural progression for Career Edge, as we strive to launch more careers through paid internships.”