The Career Edge Story – From 1996 to Today

In February 1996, Civic leader David Pecaut proposes a not-for-profit internship organization to 15 corporate leaders, aiming to bridge graduation and the workforce during Canada’s youth unemployment crisis.

In May, 50 organizations join Career Edge’s founders, committing funds, staff, office space, and technology to launch the paid internship model.

In September, Frances Randle is appointed President and CEO of Career Edge.

Federal government partnership in September…

Under Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, the federal government partners with Career Edge to fight youth unemployment through paid internships, including the Federal Public Service Youth Internship Program.

In January, internship opportunities from the federal government’s $90M program are made available on Career Edge’s internship board, massively expanding reach.

Following this, in January, Frank McKenna becomes the Honorary Chair of Career Edge.

In partnership with the Canadian Bankers Association and five major banks, Career Edge launches Ability Edge. Ability Edge was a paid internship program for recent graduates with disabilities.

Senator Pamela Wallin is announced as Honorary Chair of Career Edge.

Lucille Joseph is appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer of Career Edge.

Post dot-com demand surges. Canada’s economic downturn following the dot-com bubble leads the business community to turn to Career Edge as a key initiative for helping youth gain employment experience.

In November, Career Edge partners with TRIEC to create Career Bridge a paid internship pilot for Internationally Qualified Professionals, responding to employment barriers for skilled immigrants.

In June, following a successful pilot, Career Bridge officially launches with John Tory announced as Honorary Chair.

In June, GE Canada hires its 250th intern.

The Government of Ontario and Career Edge partner to launch the OPS Internship Program for Internationally Trained Individuals (OPS ITI Program).

Anne Lamont is appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer of Career Edge.

Canada’s economy falls into recession, causing the youth unemployment rate to climb to 15.4% over the course of the following year.

In October, Career Edge launches its Alumni Network a social network for former interns — alongside its organizational blog, building community beyond the internship.

In September, Career Edge celebrates the placement of its 10,000th intern across the Career Edge, Ability Edge, and Career Bridge programs.

In February, Career Edge unveils a refreshed brand identity.

In December, all three program websites (Career Edge, Ability Edge, Career Bridge) unite under one portal at careeredge.ca, with a single login and integrated intern management tools.

Career Edge partners with HRPA to launch HRPA Edge, a paid internship program providing CHRP candidates with HR internship opportunities.

Career Bridge is honored at the 6th Annual TRIEC Immigrant Success Awards for excellence in immigrant inclusion.

In September, Career Edge celebrates the placement of 2,000 internationally qualified professionals through Career Bridge, alongside the Ontario Public Service hiring its 700th intern.

In November, Career Edge celebrates 500 paid internships for recent graduates with disabilities through the Ability Edge program.

In February, Career Edge opens its internship posting board to the public, allowing any visitor to careeredge.ca to browse available paid internship positions.

In October, Career Edge launches an online video-interviewing platform, allowing candidates to showcase their personality and potential to prospective employers.

In August, Career Edge launches the Canadian Armed Forces Reservists’ Paid Internship Program with support from ESDC and the Department of National Defence.

On completing 20 years, 70% of Career Edge interns secured full-time positions following their internship, generating over $7,000,000 in permanent wages for the Canadian economy.

In July, Career Edge is named Top Specialized Recruiter in Canadian HR Reporter’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

In November, one third of Canada’s Top 100 Employers became Career Edge employers.

Michael “Pinball” Clemons as Keynote Speaker, the 2018 Achievement Awards recognized four interns (one from each of our talent pools) for their outstanding performance and contribution to their host organization.

Jeff Lazenby is announced as President and Chief Executive Officer of Career Edge, leading the organization into its 30th anniversary year.

Over 16,000 alumni across Canada have launched their careers through Career Edge’s paid placement programs.

Career Edge celebrates 30 years of connecting talent with opportunity.